FIA and teams delay aero rules revamp

The meeting, attended by team principals and technical directors, reached agreement on a number of fronts ahead of radical rule changes over the next few years.

One of the major discussion points was the FIA's plans for a Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing, which had been penciled in for introduction from the start of 2008.

A number of teams had doubts about the effectiveness of the design and offered an alternative proposal at the meeting today.

However, with both parties agreeing that more work was needed to finalise a design both parties were happy with, it was agreed that it would be better to delay the introduction of a new concept until 2009.

The teams also approved plans to introduce engine homologation next season, despite a push from some manufacturers in recent weeks to free up engine development.

Although the matter still needs to be approved by the Formula One Commission and the World Motor Sport Council, a statement issued by the FIA said the teams had agreed that engine freeze regulations planned for 2008 would come into force next year.

The statement said: "The homologated engine to be that used at the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix, subject to retuning for a maximum of 19,000 rpm. Full details of the retuning to be submitted to the FIA no later than December 15, 2006, and the definitive engine to be delivered by March 1, 2007."

The teams have also agreed that testing restrictions based on distance covered rather than days will come into force next year. The plan is to adopt the 30,000kms limit laid down in the 2008 sporting regulations from 2007.

Moves were also made to make progress on plans for re-usable energy devices that have been penciled in for 2009.

The teams agreed for the FIA to prepare draft regulations for these systems, with the manufacturers to prepare draft regulations for the specific devices to use the waste heat and exhaust gases.

The FIA statement said that the teams all agreed: "That the objective of all new Formula One regulations should be to maintain F1 as the pinnacle of motor sport and to satisfy at least one of the following criteria: to improve the show, to improve cost effectiveness, to improve safety, to promote technology relevant to society at large, to facilitate brand recognition."

Further cost cuts were also discussed, with the establishment of a Working Group to discuss restricted use of wind tunnels, test rigs, simulator and maybe even personnel numbers.