FIA approves radical rules shake-up

Following a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on Friday, the governing body confirmed that it would ratify amendments proposed to it by the F1 Commission, following discussion among teams.

The idea of a moveable rear wing for 2011, which will help overtaking, was approved - meaning that teams must now focus on getting the concept to work correctly prior to the start of the season.

The FIA has also tightened up the bodywork regulations in a bid to prevent a repeat of the controversy caused this summer by allegations that Red Bull Racing and Ferrari were illegally flexing their front wings.

The plan is for the rules relating to the 'reference plane' to become stricter, as well as there being better bodywork deflection tests at the front of this area of the car.

Longer term, the FIA has agreed that the current 2.4-litre V8 engines will be replaced with a new formula from 2013.

The new power units will be four cylinder 1.6-litre direct-injection engines. Although there will be a 12,000rpm limit and it is hoped fuel consumption will be cut by around 35%, the use of energy recovery systems should keep power at its current level.

For 2013, drivers will also be limited to just five engines per season - but that limit will be reduced to four for the following year.

As well as the car and engine changes, the FIA also confirmed revisions to driving and driver conduct, a limit on the width of the fast lane in the pits, plus the ability for the Race Director to shut the pit lane during a race for safety reasons. Drivers will also be instructed on circumstances when they can overtake the safety car.

Gearboxes will now have to be used for five consecutive races rather than four, while the intermediate tyre will be allowed back in F1 for 2011.

The FIA is expected to confirm the specific regulation changes over the next few days.