Driver penalties start at Brazilian GP

The new ruling means that, from next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, race stewards have draconian powers to punish drivers involved in crashes and incidents. A driver deemed guilty of a serious offence can now be moved 10 places back on the starting grid of the following grand prix.

The regulation was ratified at the World Council meeting of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, in Paris today (Wednesday).

It comes in the aftermath of controversial first corner accidents in the opening two races of the season in Australia and Malaysia, and clearly gives the FIA-appointed race stewards - who are different for each event - a major hike in their powers.

The change comes at a time when stewards' decisions are firmly in the spotlight. At Sepang last weekend, a storm was caused when Williams star Juan Pablo Montoya was given a 'drive-through' penalty for his part in the coming together with Michael Schumacher's Ferrari at the first corner.

The consensus in the paddock was that the Colombian had been harshly dealt with over what most regarded as a straight forward 'racing accident'.

Although it is understood not to have been the World Council's primary motivation for the new ruling, one effect is that it will allow stewards longer to consider evidence of accidents, and allow them to hear drivers' viewpoints before meting out a punishments concerning the next race.

Other changes from the Paris meeting included a regularisation of rules concerning cars that are stalled on the grid as cars leave for the formation lap or the start of the race. From the Interlagos race next weekend in Brazil, cars will formally have 30 seconds after the green light to fire, or they will be pushed into the pit lane.

For details of the new engine rules to come in for 2004, click here.