FIA Enacts Rule Changes Concerning F1 Fuel, Deflection Tests and More
The World Motor Sport Council convened Wednesday in Paris for the second meeting of 2022. The meeting was hosted by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem with FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid and WMSC members joining in person and via video conference.
Here is a summary of some of the key changes to the 2022 Sporting and Technical Regulations approved by the World Council: (Details Sporting Regs Here, Technical Regs Here and Here)
- Tires: The sporting regulations governing car limitations during tire testing have been updated. Regulations governing starting tire choice have been clarified after confusion at the Monaco Grand Prix when race director Eduardo Freitas ordered all cars to use wets for the safety car start. The rules now do make this compulsory both for race starts and post-red flag rolling restarts where more than one lap behind the safety car is required.
- Press Conferences: All drivers must be available to participate in official media and promotional activities (as defined by the Media Delegate) for a maximum duration of 30 minutes during a two (2) hour period, commencing 23 hours prior to the scheduled start of P1. Any driver not taking part in an official FIA Press Conference (as designated by the Media Delegate) must take part in a separate media session organized by their team.
- Flexing: Deflection tests for Rear Wing Mainplane Trailing Edge and Beam Wing Flexibility have been updated – The rear wing trailing edge is now allowed to deflect by up to 3mm along the line of load application, having previously been permitted only a 2mm deflection. The load used in this test remains unchanged at 200N. The change to the beam wing flexibility test is more substantial. Originally, this regulation (article 3.15.12) allowed no more than 5mm of deflection under a 60N load. The permitted deflection has now been changed to mean no part of the beam wing assembly “may deflect more than 3mm when a load of 150N is applied to its trailing edge, normally to the lower surface of the element”. This load will be applied simultaneously in two places.
- Allowable DRS Opening: With the hydraulic system active and the DRS deployed, a spherical gauge (a ball) must not pass through the gap between the two elements within RV-RW-Profiles. The gauge will have a diameter of 85mm +0.00 / -0.05mm and a load of 10N will be applied during the test.
- Fuel will now be permitted to be chilled to 20°C at hotter races. The temperature reference will be taken three hours (instead of two) in advance of the session. The fuel in a car may must not be colder than the lowest of: ten degrees centigrade below ambient temperature, or twenty degrees centigrade, at any time when the car is running after leaving the Competitor’s designated garage area.
- Regulations regarding mirrors have been updated to allow greater rearward visibility
- An update has been made allowing a Power Unit to be replaced in Parc Fermé with one of a newer specification
- Temporary repairs: A provision has been made to allow for temporary repairs to be made to Power Units “in the form of a patch made of the same material or made of composite material, following damage or failure”
- Engines: The World Council was given an update on the progress of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations, which are due to be finalized and presented before the next World Motor Sport Council meeting, following considerable work and consultation between the FIA, Formula 1, the incumbent Power Unit manufacturers and potential newcomers.
FIA World Rally Championship
In the Sporting Regulations, the time to repair retired P1 cars was increased to a maximum of four hours with the option to split this window into a maximum of two slots (the amount of time per section being at the discrepancy of the team). This will enable team personnel to optimize the workload before and after the evening service and allow additional time for them to work on the car, due to more complex procedures with Rally1 hybrid vehicles.
Clarification was brought to the high-voltage operational safety procedures for quarantine, recovery supervision and “red car” exercise, reflecting the best practice developed on the basis of the experience gathered at WRC events since the launch of the Rally1 in January.
With a view to saving costs for the organizers and following sensible sustainability policies, road books must now be available digitally before the rally, as opposed to printed and sent by mail to the competitors.
In the Technical Regulations, proposals related to the opening of the rear window and roof vent of Rally1 cars, which require the support of the Homologation Commission, were approved to address the challenges of cockpit temperatures experienced at the last rallies.
FIA World Endurance Championship
Further key technical principles of the next generation of LMP2 class have been defined. As announced previously, these cars will be based on the same platform as the LMDh cars competing in the Hypercar class. The homologation cycle for the cars will cover the 2025-2030 period. There will be a limited selling price of a complete car as well as capped retail price of selected components. If required, adjustment of performance (AoP) will be conducted up to two times per season.
ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
The 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar has been approved as follows:
| Date | Country | Venue |
| 14 January 2023 | Mexico | Mexico City |
| 27 & 28 January 2023 | Saudi Arabia | Diriyah |
| 11 February 2023 | India | Hyderabad |
| 25 February 2023 | TBD | TBD |
| 11 March 2023 | TBD | TBD |
| 25 March 2023 | Brazil | Sao Paulo |
| 22 April 2023 | Germany | Berlin |
| 6 May 2023 | Monaco | Monaco |
| 20 & 21 May 2023 | South Korea | Seoul |
| 3 & 4 June 2023 | Indonesia | Jakarta |
| 24 June 2023 | TBD | TBD |
| 15 & 16 July 2023 | Italy | Rome |
| 29 & 30 July 2023 | United Kingdom | London |
The 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Technical Regulations have also been approved. With no changes in the overall philosophy, the Season 9 Technical Regulations include overall updates which reflect the Gen3 car architectures (added Front Powertrain Kit, car weight, power levels, energy requirements).
Lastly, minor edits to the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Financial Regulations for FE teams and manufacturers have been approved. Those address the impact of current inflation and fine-tune the wording of the Regulations.
FIA World Rallycross Championship
Due to the switch to all-electric in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the long lead time for the delivery of certain components to assemble the cars, the start of the Championship has been postponed to the last weekend of July at the Nürburgring. The final round at Barcelona on October 29-30 has been added to maintain the total number of events at 6.
The revised 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar is as follows:
| Date | Country | Venue |
| 30‐31 July | Germany | Nürburgring |
| 13‐14 June | Norway | Hell‐Lanke |
| 03‐04 September (DH) | Latvia | Riga |
| 17-18 September (DH) | Portugal | Montalegre |
| 08-09 October (DH) | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
| 29-30 October | Spain* | Barcelona |
DH denotes double-header
* Subject to ASN and promoter agreements
FIA Single-Seater Commission
FIA Formula 2 Championship
The updated 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship calendar was approved as follows:
| Date | Country | Venue |
| 18-20 March | Bahrain | Sakhir |
| 25-27 March | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah |
| 22-24 April | Italy | Imola |
| 20-22 May | Spain | Barcelona |
| 27-29 May | Monaco | Monte Carlo |
| 10-12 June | Azerbaijan | Baku |
| 01-03 July | Great Britain | Silverstone |
| 08-10 July | Austria | Spielberg |
| 22-24 July | France | Le Castellet |
| 29-31 July | Hungary | Budapest |
| 26-28 August | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
| 02-04 September | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
| 09-11 September | Italy | Monza |
| 18-20 November | UAE | Yas Marina |
FIA Formula 3 World Cup
The FIA Formula 3 World Cup in Macau will not take place in 2022 due to ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FIA Rally Commission
Technical and Homologation Regulations for the fully electric FIA Rally5e cars were approved, with the group to be divided into two classes depending on the car’s battery capacity (lower or bigger than 60 kWh). This first-ever category of electric rally cars aims to remain close to production models, in the same way as the Rally5 for ICE cars.
FIA Cross-Country Rally Commission
The Cross-Country Rally Sporting Regulations have been updated with a view to simplification, including the move of technical requirements to the FIA Technical Regulations, the compilation of the fixed penalties in a dedicated appendix (Appendix I) and the harmonization with the FIM’s wording.
In order to make the sport more accessible, a penalty point system for minor infringements to the Regulations is being introduced for non-priority drivers. The principles of new Regulations for the EV and hybrid T3 group (lightweight prototype) vehicles were also approved.
FIA GT Commission
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 quarantine restrictions and associated logistical challenges in Asia, the FIA GT World Cup, traditionally held at Macau’s Guia Circuit, will not take place this year.
FIA Touring Car Commission
Due to the ongoing quarantine restrictions and associated logistical challenges in Asia, rounds of WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup and FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup set to take place on the continent will not be held this year. Together with Discovery Sports Events, the promoter of the two series, the FIA is working towards securing replacement events. Further details on the new calendar additions will be communicated in due course. Technical Regulations for the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games: Touring Car Cup have been approved.
FIA Karting Commission (CIK)
The launch of the new OK-N engine aimed at the national level was approved. Accordingly, certain steps will be taken towards introduction.
Advantage would be taken of the new engine homologation cycle which begins in August 2022 to introduce a downsized engine aimed at national markets (OK-N) based on the current OK-J (Junior) and OK (Senior) engines. Using the current OK engine as the foundation will result in cost savings (since the spare parts already exist). The fact that this is a downsized version will gain reliability.
In order to facilitate the introduction of the category into the national markets, this product will be coupled with a sporting objective in the form of an OK-N World Cup, for which participants will need to qualify via national events. This World Cup will be governed by strict Sporting Regulations where only one chassis, one engine and the number of tires is limited to one and a half sets per race.
In order to make the practice of this Category affordable, the FIA will recommend to the ASNs in charge of organizing the qualifying events in the lead up to the World Cup to use these regulations as a basis for their Sporting and Technical Regulations. In this way, a pathway between practicing on the national markets and at a high level is created.
To make the World Cup attractive, the plan is to organize it on the same weekend as the current OK and OK-J World Championships. This will give drivers participating in the OK-N World Cup a chance to make themselves known to karting manufacturers on-site.
An extension of the homologation period for Groups 2 and 3 for chassis, brakes and bodywork from 2020-2023 to 2024 was approved.
2023 FIA Karting Championships, Cup and Trophies calendars
The 2023 FIA Karting calendars were approved as follows:
FIA KARTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – OK
| 05 – 08/10 | Franciacorta | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNIOR
| 05 – 08/10 | Franciacorta | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – KZ
| 07-10/09 | Wackersdorf | (DEU) |
FIA KARTING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – OK
| 23-26/03 | Valencia | (ESP) |
| 18-21/05 | Třinec* | (CZE) |
| 15-18/06 | Rødby* | (DEN) |
| 27-30/07 | Castelletto* | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – JUNIOR
| 23-26/03 | Valencia | (ESP) |
| 18-21/05 | Třinec | (CZE) |
| 15-18/06 | Rødby | (DEN) |
| 27-30/07 | Castelletto | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – KZ
| 13-16/04 | Zuera | (ESP) |
| 06-09/07 | Sarno | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – KZ2
| 13-16/04 | Zuera | (ESP) |
| 06-09/07 | Sarno | (ITA) |
FIA KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY
| 13-16/04 | Zuera | (ESP) |
| 06-09/07 | Sarno | (ITA) |
| 07-10/09 | Wackersdorf | (DEU) |
FIA KARTING WORLD CUP – KZ2
| 07-10/09 | Wackersdorf | (DEU) |
FIA KARTING INTERNATIONAL MASTERS’ SUPERCUP – KZ2
| 07-10/09 | Wackersdorf | (DEU) |
*Subject to satisfactory track inspections
FIA Truck Racing Commission
2023 Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship Technical Regulations have been approved. As per the regulations, and in line with the sustainability roadmap developed by the commission, all-electric and hybrid powertrains will be allowed in the championship next year, along with the current generation of combustion-engined race trucks.
The FIA Truck Racing commission has also revealed the findings of a feasibility study of potential introduction of endurance race formats to truck racing. A group of FIA experts assessed the technical requirements necessary to run races over longer durations than the current 30 minutes. The study proved that adaptations to the current specification of trucks for the needs of endurance formats are minimal.
The reason behind the study is the fact that the demands of endurance formats are similar to those faced by commercial trucks used in road haulage industry and include factors such as fuel efficiency, material longevity and tire durability.
FIA Safety Commission
The WMSC approved a new FIA Standard for protective clothing for Karting competitors, which is intended to replace the current standard, introduced in 2013.
The improvements include extending the scope of the standard to approve karting gloves and shoes in addition to overalls and the introduction of new resistance to abrasion requirements for overalls to be worn for long circuit kart racing.
The approved gloves and shoes for karting will deliver a significant safety improvement compared with the current situation. The new standard has also simplified the testing and manufacturing process for overalls, and therefore it is expected that the price of the new overalls will be similar to those currently available. For shoes and gloves, the price should remain similar to current products.
There was also an update to the standard 8856-2018 for protective clothing for drivers and an update of the flame-resistant clothing regulations included in Appendix L. In particular, heat transmission protection for gloves has increased by one and half seconds on the palm and two seconds on the rest of the glove. These glove prototypes were tested by several drivers in Formula 1, Formula E, WRC and WEC. The new gloves will be compulsory in Formula 1 from January 1, 2023.
It is also proposed to introduce design requirements for glove touchscreen capability. This new function will allow gloves to be made compulsory in the future for co-drivers when the championship uses digital roadbooks instead of traditional paper versions.
FIA Medical Commission
Appendix L has been updated to be consistent with international best practice and to increase safety. Cardiovascular Screening: from 2023, the cardiovascular screening criteria for driver licensing has changed. The purpose of this is to improve the assessment of older competitors consistent with international best international practice.
First aid Training: from 2023 on, First aid training is highly recommended for competitors ITC-R and ITD-R licenses. The purpose of this is to improve competitor safety in road events.
FIA Circuits Commission
The WMSC approved a new Grade 5 License as an entry level “provisional” License for developing circuits who wish to benefit from FIA guidance in motor racing course design and construction.
FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission
Felipe Calderon, the Commission President, provided a summary of the on-going projects in line with the adoption of the Environmental Strategy 2020-2030. The strategy established bold ambitions to align with climate science and the FIA’s vision to promote a Safe, Sustainable and Accessible Motorsport and Mobility for all.
A first Environmental Report has been finalized, covering the achievements since the adoption of the strategy and outlining next steps. The report revealed that the FIA’s carbon footprint decreased by 31% from 18,911 tonnes in 2019 to 13,019 tonnes in 2021.
Out of the 21 objectives for 2021, 17 have already been fully achieved. The aim of the strategy is to transition towards a state of net-zero emissions in 2030 by reducing carbon emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The strategy has also determined that by 2026, all the FIA World Championships will be powered by sustainable energies. The FIA works with all its World Championship Promoters and stakeholders to achieve these goals, and encourages ASNs and all FIA Member Clubs to go further on sustainability.
FIA Electric and New Energy Commission
The 2022 FIA ecoRally Cup calendar has been updated as follows:
| Date | Country | Venue |
| 4-6 March 2022 | Spain | Eco Rally de la Com. Valenciana |
| 20-21 May 2022 | Czech Republic | Czech New Energies Rally |
| 24-26 June 2022 | Portugal | Oeiras Eco-Rally Portugal |
| 2-3 September 2022 | Slovenia | MAHLE Eco-Rally |
| 30 September-2 October | Spain | III Eco Rallye Bilbao ALBA |
| 26-29 October | Monaco | eRallye Monte-Carlo |
| 17-19 November | Italy | EcoDolomitesGT |
In line with its normal procedures, the ENEC Commission has also reviewed and updated the current and 2023 FIA EcoRally Cup technical regulations, preserving their stability.
Anti-Harassment and Non-discrimination policy
Following World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism and FIA Senate approvals, WMSC members approved the new FIA Anti-Harassment and Non-discrimination Policy which reaffirms a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment and any form of discrimination provides for dedicated communication and training initiatives across the organisation and sets out rules on how to report and address concerns of misconduct.
Upcoming World Motor Sport Council Meetings
Dates of future FIA World Motor Sport Council meetings in 2022 are as follows:
| 19 October | Venue tbc |
| 07 December | Venue tbc, on the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly Week |