The FIA is set to define the so called ‘one-move’ rule which has been the subject of much debate recently, following on from Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton’s on-track battle in Italy earlier this season.
The rule, which many interpret as being allowed to defend a position with a single move before taking up the racing line again, actually has no definite definition in the sporting regulations.
The governing body is looking to change that for 2012 and, according to reports, will officially write the rule into the regulations for next season, following successful ratification by the FIA Sporting Working Group (SWG).
The rule will state that a driver may defend their position by making a single maneuver, but must then give the following car enough space on the outside (not including kerbing) to pass as the defensive driver retakes the racing line.
The rule will be used in the remaining races for the current season too, after a discussion with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, who backed the move.
Greater emphasis will also be put on driver reprimands, likely following a discussion between FIA safety delegate Charlie Whiting and Felipe Massa, who admitted he approached Whiting to discuss Hamilton’s recent spate of incidents and the need for greater punishment.
A regulation introduced at Silverstone saw a three-strike system implemented, in which a driver will be handed a five-place grid penalty at the following event – though at least two of the offences must be as a result of breaking a regulation whilst driving.
Stewards will be encouraged to give reprimands in conjunction with penalties, such as drive-throughs, if they believe the incident to warrant further punishment.
