FIA General News and Discussion

[Mothers Worry]

Teams to propose FIA appeal judges 

From autosport.com:

Teams to propose FIA appeal judges 

Wednesday, December 16th 2009, 15:49 GMT

Formula 1 teams will be able to put forward judges to sit on FIA International Court of Appeal hearings next year.

The existing elected ICA judges will continue to form the majority of panels, but appeals will now also be heard by what the FIA describes as "co-opted judges"..............

[Jiji_the_cat]

i think this is a good decision.

[Mothers Worry]

i think this is a good decision.

+1

[Mothers Worry]

Former Ferrari engine chief joins FIA

From autosport.com:

Former Ferrari engine chief joins FIA

Monday, December 28th 2009, 10:36 GMT

Former Ferrari engine chief Gilles Simon is to join the FIA to help a push by Jean Todt to investigate new energies and more environmentally friendly technology for Formula 1 and other categories.

Simon left the Maranello-based team in October, and Todt has now revealed he will be heavily involved in a new working group that will work alongside committees within the FIA already looking at the environment and new energies.....

Sounds like another jobs-for-the-boys blow off to me............
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Ferrari: F1 must solve its problems 

From autosport.com:

Ferrari: F1 must solve its problems 

Monday, December 28th 2009, 14:13 GMT

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says that Formula 1 needs to find answers to its problems as soon as possible if his Maranello-outfit is to stick with the sport for the long-term.................

[Supersleeper]

Some interesting issues in this article. It may be that Martin Whitmarsh's appointment to run FOTA was no accident, as it would appear that the FIA might very well have to strengthen ties with the organisation to repair a relationship that might very well currently rest in McLarens favour. Ron Dennis must be a reasonable pleased man, knowing that the ultimate act of revenge over his sworn enemy might just have one more act to play out. I believe if this were to occur, it would consign Max Mosley to irrelevance in F1 forever.

From The Independent

A senior motorsport lawyer has predicted that Formula One's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), could be deluged with lawsuits following a recent court victory against it by former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.

In September last year, the FIA's internal disciplinary body, the World Council, banned teams and drivers from working with Mr Briatore after former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jnr claimed that he asked him to crash in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix in order to ensure victory for his team-mate, Fernando Alonso.

However, earlier this month, Mr Briatore won an appeal against his ban in a French court which called into question the legitimacy of the World Council. Mr Briatore argued that the then FIA president, Max Mosley, was in effect acting as judge, jury and executioner when he launched the investigation into the race-fixing claims against Mr Briatore and then presided over his ban from the sport in his role as chairman of the World Council.

The French court ruled that "the decision of the World Council was presided over by the FIA president ... with Mr Mosley having played a leading role in launching the inquiry ... in violation of the principle of separation of the power of the bodies".

Mr Briatore's lawyer, Philippe Ouakrat, said, "It is against French and international laws for an organism to be jury, procedural body and investigating body at the same time". He added that this "casts a doubt over the FIA World Council's structure itself, which in fact can't exist any more".

This leaves the FIA's future decisions open to attack. although it has announced that work is "well advanced" on the introduction of "new measures for constructive change. According to Jonathan Lux, partner at international law firm Ince & Co, disgruntled recipients of previous World Council decisions could also take action against the FIA.

"It is reasonable to say that the FIA monopoly on decision-making in motorsport may now be coming to an end and that we can expect increasing court challenges in the future," said Mr Lux. "Indeed, some previous well-known FIA decisions may be vulnerable in light of the approach taken by the French court, subject to the relevant time bar limitations."

One of these decisions in particular could ultimately put the brakes on the FIA. In 2007, the McLaren team was caught spying on Ferrari and the World Council handed it a $100m fine. Mr Briatore said he thinks McLaren may take action against the FIA to recover the $100m in light of his court result. McLaren had no comment to make on the Briatore case.

The FIA's hopes are now pinned on its own appeal of Mr Briatore's court result. With just six weeks to go before the start of this year's F1 season, time is running out for F1's regulator to regain its credibility.

[Jiji_the_cat]

A delayed flight has caused Charlie Whiting, head of the FIA's technical department, to postpone a visit to McLaren headquarters to check on the legality of the team's car

http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_6007928,00.html

[izzystero]

A delayed flight has caused Charlie Whiting, head of the FIA's technical department, to postpone a visit to McLaren headquarters to check on the legality of the team's car

How convenient.   

[Oldtony]

Apparently Charlie was in a hurry to get to Qatar for some reason. The Qatar Motor Club is investigating bringin thier circuit up to F1 standards or better.
Abu Dhabi on steroids was the rumour.
Should cut F1 travel down concentrating the series in the Gulf

[auto]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81937

By Jonathan Noble and Glenn Freeman Tuesday, March 9th 2010, 12:00 GMT

BMW Sauber has a real chance of becoming a thorn in the side of Formula 1's 'big four' teams this year because its car is so good at looking after its tyres, Bridgestone analysis has revealed.

With the Swiss-outfit's C29 having already shown some strong pace in pre-season testing, the team's hopes of delivering some surprise results are boosted by the fact that early data reveals it suffers less tyre degradation than Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes GP.

That ability to look after its tyre could prove crucial on two fronts this season - by first of all allowing the team to use a softer tyre than its rivals in Q3, but also in delivering it greater consistency over the course of a race when there will be a premium on looking after the rubber now that refuelling is banned.

[Bumble1290]

Apparently Charlie was in a hurry to get to Qatar for some reason. The Qatar Motor Club is investigating bringin thier circuit up to F1 standards or better.
Abu Dhabi on steroids was the rumour.
Should cut F1 travel down concentrating the series in the Gulf

It's becoming a bit that way isn't it  I can't wait for the Iraq GP

[Mothers Worry]

It looks like Mr. FIA (Todt) is now threatening teams with the 107% rule...... but not until 2011.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82045

From autosport .com:

Until 2002, any driver whose fastest lap was outside 107 percent of the pole position time was not allowed to take part in the race except under extraordinary circumstances.

So it appears all the newbies will have one year's grace to get up to speed (so to speak) before they get hammered for being uncompetitive.

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=40144

[Prophet][]

If that rules was bought into day, only the 2 HRT cars wouldn't qualify as they were 108% from my calculations.

[Mothers Worry]

Bridgestone: No U-turn on F1 exit 

From autosport.com:

Bridgestone: No U-turn on F1 exit 

Thursday, March 18th 2010, 11:11 GMT

Formula 1 tyre supplier Bridgestone has played down talk that it is reconsidering its decision to quit the sport at the end of the year.

The Japanese company announced at the end of last year that it was to withdraw from F1 at the end of 2010, when its contract to supply tyres to the championship comes to an end............

So where does this leave F1. The fact that one tyre manufacturer is not enough has been discussed elsewhere here at AMF.

[Mothers Worry]

FIA to change rules after Monaco controversy

From thef1times.com:

FIA to change rules after Monaco controversy

Thursday 20th May 2010, 09:59 

The FIA has recognised the need to amend the regulations after a controversial move in Monaco saw Michael Schumacher penalised for overtaking Fernando Alonso, despite green flags being shown.

The move took place on the final lap of the race, which ended under the safety car due to an accident between Karun Chandhok and Jarno Trulli. That meant a new rule for 2010, rule 40.13, came into effect.

Rule 40.13 states that if a race ends under SC conditions, it will peel off into the pits allowing the winner to cross the line first, whilst no overtaking is allowed to take place. This caused confusion among some teams.

A statement released by the governing body has recognised the confusion and lack of clarity created by this rule, and they are looking to change it at the upcoming Sporting Working Group meeting in June.

"The problems identified during the final lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, counting for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, showed a lack of clarity in the application of the rule prohibiting overtaking behind the Safety Car," said the statement.

"Adjustments to the regulations are necessary to clarify the procedure that cars must meet when the last lap is controlled by the Safety Car whilst also ensuring that the signaling for teams and drivers is made more clear.

"These adjustments will help to avoid the problem which occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix from happening in the future.

"The Formula One Commission, upon a proposal of the F1 Sporting Working Group will submit an amendment to the Sporting Regulations to address this issue. These amendments will be considered by the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in Geneva on June 23."

[Mothers Worry]

FIA clarifies qualifying in-lap rule

From thef1times.com:

FIA clarifies qualifying in-lap rule

Monday 14th June 2010

The FIA have moved to clarify a 'memo' which requires drivers to return to the pits on their qualifying in-lap within a specified time, after Lewis Hamilton's debacle in Montreal.

The McLaren driver managed to secure pole, however he was later fined £6,600 ($10,000) and reprimanded for stopping on track after running low on fuel. Hamilton then jumped out of his moving car, pushing it a few yards before getting a lift back to the pits.

The FIA issued a memo a few seasons back to ensure drivers didn't travel too slowly on their in-lap, therefore penalising drivers still setting a time. However, as it was just a memo, the FIA made the decision not to demote Hamilton.

Ross Brawn said after the incident, that he hoped it wouldn't set a precedent for drivers running light in qualifying: "I don't know all the details so it's hard to comment," he said. "But we must not come to a situation where cars run out of fuel after their last lap because they want to be running as light as possible."

The FIA discussed the situation before the race on Sunday, with race director Charlie Whiting clarifying that any team found doing the same in future would have to explain their actions in front of the stewards, and would be penalised if the explanations wasn't sufficient.

Hoon laws Lewis?

[Supersleeper]

Press Release

 World Motor Sport Council

24/06/2010

During the extraordinary hearing that was held in Geneva on 23 June 2010, the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council examined, in application of the new disciplinary procedure adopted at the beginning of 2010, the failure of the USF1 Team to take part in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, for which it had been selected and had registered.
 
Having had this disciplinary procedure submitted to it by the FIA President (who was not present at the hearing but represented by an external lawyer), the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council has found the USF1 team guilty of having infringed the FIA International Sporting Code, the sporting regulations of the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship and the obligations resulting from its entry in this Championship.
 
In these circumstances, the Judging Body of the World Motor Sport Council has decided to impose the following sanctions against USF1:
- a fine of 309,000 euros (a sum equivalent to the Entry Fees for the Championship);
- the disqualification of USF1 (which definitively deprives USF1 of the right to take part, in any way whatsoever, in any competition);
- and the payment of the costs incurred by the FIA within the context of this disciplinary procedure.

So that is very much goodbye to the disaster that was USF1.

Lucky to get off that lightly IMO.

[Oldtony]

Very simply a move by FIA to ensure that they cannot be made to pay back the entry fee paid to them by USF1.
Who is going to suffer. Not Windsor, Edwards or Hurley. They are investors not creditors.
This is simply a greedy move by FIA to ensure they get the money. That means it doesn't go towards unpaid wages for employees, unpaid suppliers etc. The little bloke always carries the can.

[Mothers Worry]

Very simply a move by FIA to ensure that they cannot be made to pay back the entry fee paid to them by USF1.
Who is going to suffer. Not Windsor, Edwards or Hurley. They are investors not creditors.
This is simply a greedy move by FIA to ensure they get the money. That means it doesn't go towards unpaid wages for employees, unpaid suppliers etc. The little bloke always carries the can.

Another good point.

[Mothers Worry]

Here's some more FIA stuff for the 2011 season:

Full FIA World Motor Sport Council statement

From thef1times.com:

Full FIA World Motor Sport Council statement

Wednesday 23rd June 2010, 14:49 

Tyres:

Pirelli has been selected as the single tyre supplier for the FIA Formula One World Championship for a period of three years, commencing in 2011. The sole supplier will undertake to strictly respect the sporting and technical regulations implemented by the FIA.

'Competitor’s staff' FIA Licence:

A proposal relating to specific licences for members of staff of competitors entered in the FIA World Championships has been submitted to the Formula One Commission. This is under consideration for implementation in the FIA Formula One World Championship from the start of 2011, with a view to inclusion in other FIA World Championships in the future.

Safety Car:

With immediate effect, no car may overtake until it has passed the first safety car line for the first time when the safety car is returning to the pits. However, if the safety car is still deployed at the beginning of the last lap, or is deployed during the last lap, it will enter the pit lane at the end of the lap and the cars will take the chequered flag as normal without overtaking.

General Safety:

With immediate effect, any car being driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or which is deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers, will be reported to the stewards. This will apply whether any such car is being driven on the track, the pit entry or the pit lane.

In order to ensure cars are not driven unnecessarily slowly on in-laps during qualifying or reconnaissance laps when the pit exit is opened for the race, drivers must stay below the maximum time set by the FIA between the safety car line after the pit exit and safety car line before the pit entry. The maximum time will be determined by the race director at each event prior to the first day of practice, but may be amended during the event if necessary.

The Grid:

From 2011, any driver whose best qualifying lap exceeds 107% of the fastest Q1 qualifying time will not be allowed to take part in the race. Under exceptional circumstances, however, which may include setting a suitable lap time in a free practice session, the stewards may permit the car to start the race. Should there be more than one driver accepted in this manner, the grid order will be determined by the stewards.

Driver Adjustable Bodywork:

From 2011, adjustable bodywork may be activated by the driver at any time prior to the start of the race and, for the sole purpose of improving overtaking opportunities during the race, after the driver has completed two laps. The driver may only activate the adjustable bodywork in the race when he has been notified via the control electronics that it is enabled. It will only be enabled if the driver is less than one second behind another at any of the pre-determined positions around each circuit. The system will be disabled the first time the driver uses the brakes after the system has been activated. The FIA may, after consulting all the competitors, adjust the time proximity in order to ensure the purpose of the adjustable bodywork is met.

Aerodynamic Influence:

With the exception of the parts necessary for the driver adjustable bodywork, any car system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited from 2011.

Weight:

From 2011, the minimum weight of the car must not be less than 640 kg at all times during the event.

Fuel Draining:

With immediate effect, if a sample of fuel is required after a practice session the car concerned must have first been driven back to the pits under its own power.

Licences:

Based on his career résumé and comparative F1 testing times, the World Council has approved the granting of a four-race probationary super license to Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung.

Emphasis added. The 107% rule is back.

[Mothers Worry]

And now for adjustable bodywork:

Whitmarsh keen to run adjustable rear-wings

From thef1times.com:

Whitmarsh keen to run adjustable rear-wings

Saturday 03rd July 2010, 10:01 

Martin Whitmarsh is keen to give the experimental adjustable rear-wing concept a chance in 2011, despite criticisms from within Formula One.

FOTA and the FIA have both agreed to include the new system, which allows a following driver to adjust their rear-wing for extra straight-line speed at a predetermined position on the track, in the regulations for next season.

Several drivers and F1 pundits have highlighted the dangers of massive closing speeds on opponents into corners, Mark Webber's accident in Valencia was a perfect demonstration of what can happen.

Whitmarsh though has defended the system and says the F1 bosses are damned if they do and damned if they don't, when making changes to F1.

"We will see whether people are convinced by it or not," ITV-F1 quote Whitmarsh as saying. "There were a lot of people saying 'when are we going to do something?' There was a lot of fan-based pressure to do something, and I think we are damned if we do, damned if we don't.

"This is something which we believe can be implemented fairly, simply and safely. I think we have got to do a little bit more work on deployment and the sporting regulations that accompany it, and if we get that right we'll give it a go. If it detracts [or] isn't right, it's easy to take it off and fix the rear wing – but let's have a look at it. It's a bit of an experiment.

"I think we have got a great show [and] we should be careful not to spoil it, but at the same time we shouldn't be complacent. We should always be thinking about how we create some entertainment. The nice thing is it was a co-operative [agreement] – there was a lot of discussion, the experts came up with the idea, we've agreed [and] we're pushing it through."