The FIA has made some minor changes to the regulations ahead of the season opening Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
The drag-reduction-system, which can’t be used in wet conditions, but may be used in drying conditions or when a driver is on the slick tyre, may now be deactivated by race director Charlie Whiting if he feels it unsafe to use.
“The race director may now prohibit the use of the adjustable rear wing (DRS) if he feels visibility is too poor in wet conditions,” read an FIA statement. “This has been done as a result of safety concerns over large speed differentials between cars.”
Another change for wet conditions surrounds the number of tyres available to drivers on Saturday.
“One set of dry-weather tyres may now be carried over to Saturday if both Friday sessions are declared wet; it is hoped that this will result in teams carrying out more laps on Saturday,” it added.
Finally, the governing body has clarified the curfew regulations which are aimed at ensuring employees aren’t made to work long hours into the night.
This caused some confusion in 2011 when marketing personnel were seen entering the track, thus resulting in a strike for several teams – though these were later given back after it was successfully argued that marketing personnel have no direct involvement with the cars themselves.
