The FIA has recognised the need to amend the regulations after a controversial move in Monaco saw Michael Schumacher penalised for overtaking Fernando Alonso, despite green flags being shown.
The move took place on the final lap of the race, which ended under the safety car due to an accident between Karun Chandhok and Jarno Trulli. That meant a new rule for 2010, rule 40.13, came into effect.
Rule 40.13 states that if a race ends under SC conditions, it will peel off into the pits allowing the winner to cross the line first, whilst no overtaking is allowed to take place. This caused confusion among some teams.
A statement released by the governing body has recognised the confusion and lack of clarity created by this rule, and they are looking to change it at the upcoming Sporting Working Group meeting in June.
“The problems identified during the final lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, counting for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, showed a lack of clarity in the application of the rule prohibiting overtaking behind the Safety Car,” said the statement.
“Adjustments to the regulations are necessary to clarify the procedure that cars must meet when the last lap is controlled by the Safety Car whilst also ensuring that the signaling for teams and drivers is made more clear.
“These adjustments will help to avoid the problem which occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix from happening in the future.
“The Formula One Commission, upon a proposal of the F1 Sporting Working Group will submit an amendment to the Sporting Regulations to address this issue. These amendments will be considered by the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in Geneva on June 23.”
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