FIA to explain stewards' decisions

In the wake of the controversy that surrounded Lewis Hamilton's penalty at Spa-Francorchamps, it was decided at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris today that decisions will be better explained to the public from now on.

A written explanation of each decision will be published on the FIA's website, rather than just the confirmations of decisions that are made public at present.

The FIA has also pledged to make available any film evidence relevant to stewards' decisions that may not have been seen by the public on both the FIA and FOM websites.

A new replay system will also be introduced to the officiating process with the intention that all incidents are investigated and any action is taken during the race itself, unless it is necessary to seek further evidence after the event.

The FIA also announced that trainee stewards - nominated by their nation's governing body and selected by the FIA - will attend five grands prix next season in an observation role. Any national stewards officiating on a Formula One race for the first time must have observed at least one grand prix in this way to obtain their stewards' super licence. A short CV of all trainee stewards will also be posted on the FIA website.

It has long been argued that at least one former grand prix driver should be among the stewards and the FIA also confirmed that ex-racers are eligible to obtain their national stewarding licence and graduate to the super licence.

The WMSC also rubber-stamped the plan to extend engine life to three races from next year.