Paris (AFP)

Formula 1 teams are prohibited from developing single-seaters in 2020, which they will line up in 2022, a year of change in technical regulations, as a measure of economy and sports equity, announced the International Automobile Federation (FIA). ) Tuesday.

This decision follows that of postponing for a year, to allow teams to overcome the coronavirus crisis, this regulatory change initially planned for 2021 which will give birth to single-seaters with completely redesigned aerodynamics.

Among the other measures taken by the World Motor Sport Council (CMSA) announced in a press release, the closing period usually imposed on the ten teams in August, advanced this year to March-April and extended from 14 to 21 days, will also impose itself on engine manufacturers (Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda).

This truce ("shutdown" in English) may be "extended" after discussions with competitors and engine manufacturers, "in the event that public health concerns or government restrictions continue beyond the initial scheduled shutdown period ", while the countries where the F1 players are based have imposed more or less restrictive containment measures to fight against the Covid-19.

- "Flexibility required" -

The first eight races of the season having been canceled (Australia, Monaco) or postponed sine die (Bahrain, China, Vietnam, Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan) and the CEO of F1 considering a calendar of 15 to 18 Grand Prix against 22 initially, the teams will have to face in 2020 a significant drop in their commercial and sponsorship revenues, which justifies these measures.

In addition, the CMSA has endorsed a decision-making process that has been revamped this season "in order to give the FIA ​​and Formula 1 the flexibility necessary to react to the crisis and organize a calendar that best preserves the commercial value of the championship and keep costs down as much as possible. "

The governing bodies of the queen category of motorsport can now "change the calendar without a vote" and certain articles of the sporting regulations can be modified "with the support of 60% of the teams" rather than unanimity.

Concerning all the categories governed by the FIA, and no longer only F1, its president Jean Todt is formally authorized "to take all decisions relating to the organization of international competitions for the 2020 season which would be urgently required".

Finally, back in F1, the FIA ​​maintains the ban in 2021 of Dual Axis Steering introduced by Mercedes this year to the amazement of its competitors.

This revolutionary system allows the driver to directly modify the spacing of the front wheels of his single-seat car, according to his needs, by pulling or pushing his steering wheel.

© 2020 AFP