Michael Schumacher's 2010 F1 comeback a licence exception - FIA

One of the criticisms of the new superlicence system was that the tight conditions that have been laid down mean some drivers who appear more than qualified to race in F1 could be barred from doing so.

An example that cropped up when the FIA's conditions were released was that Michael Schumacher would not have qualified for his return in 2010 - having failed to compete in five grands prix in the previous three seasons.

However, the FIA has made clear that in exceptional circumstances it is possible that the FIA's World Motor Sport Council could be asked to accept licence applications from drivers who do not strictly fit the criteria.

"One of our objectives with the new superlicence system was to avoid the multitude of exceptions, which tended to often happen these days," said the spokesman.

"Of course if a genuine exception, like the Michael Schumacher case, came along, we would always have the possibility to consult the WMSC."

However, the FIA is adamant that such examples will not become a regular occurrence.

It means that drivers who currently qualify for a superlicence thanks only to F1 test mileage, like Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein and Williams tester Susie Wolff, will not do so in 2016 unless they fulfill the new criteria.

Asked specifically about these two drivers and if they would get a superlicence if they did not accrue the points or grand prix starts, the FIA said: "They would not currently qualify for a 2016 full superlicence."