Speed limits to replace yellow flags in 2002

The new system will be introduced as part of the deal which has allowed traction control and electronic gearboxes to be used from this season's Spanish Grand Prix on April 29. The sport's governing body, the FIA, had required teams to submit a package of extra high-tech safety measures in order for the outlawed driver aids to be re-introduced.

Cars will be fitted with a system which warns a driver that a speed limit is in operation and also informs him if he has exceeded that limit and is to receive a stop-go penalty.

"From 2002, the yellow flag system will be replaced by the imposition of variable speed limits," said FIA president Max Mosley. "These will depend on the layout of circuits at the accident site and the degree of risk to track workers. It will be decided by the race director and communicated electronically to every driver in the area of the accident."

Initially, the system will not be capable of automatically reducing the speed of the car - that will still be down to the driver. However for 2003, the FIA safety car will be replaced by a system which will maintain a constant speed and distance between cars.

Mosley has warned Silverstone that any repetition of last year's mud and wet weather fiasco could see the race dropped from the calendar. The race returns to its traditional July date this year, following a switch to April 23 in 2000, but the FIA president warned that the potentially drier slot should not lead to complacency.

"July often has the same amount of rain as April, but it's up to Silverstone to cope whatever the weather conditions," he said. "If there is a repeat of last season's fiasco, it would be very difficult to keep the track on the Grand Prix calendar."

Mosley has announced that he will be standing for re-election as FIA president for a third and final four-year term. At the moment, no other candidates have been put forward for the election in October.