FIA Announces World Motor Sport Council Decisions

The following is a summary of the key decisions taken during the meeting:

FIA Formula One World Championship
Several amendments to the Sporting and Technical Regulations for 2018 were approved. These included:

  • Regulations relating to procedures for starting or resuming a race behind the safety car
  • Changing the event timetable to increase flexibility
  • Ensuring that testing of previous cars may only take place on tracks currently holding an FIA Grade 1 or 1T license
  • Provision for demonstration events in previous cars which does not constitute testing. No such demonstrations may exceed 50km in length and only tires manufactured specifically for this purpose by the appointed supplier may be used
  • Changes to ensure that oil cannot be used as fuel
  • Introduction of a detailed specification for oil
  • A minimum weight and volume for energy storage (batteries)
  • Changes to position of cameras and wing mirrors to accommodate the Halo

A change to the power unit penalty system was also approved, whereby if a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places he will be required to start the race from the back of the starting grid. If more than one driver receives such a penalty they will be arranged at the back of the grid in the order in which the offences were committed.

The World Council was presented with the report on the security incidents that occurred at this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix which was requested from the Commercial Rights Holder (CRH) by the FIA. Following the report, the CRH recommended that the promoter, who is responsible for the security of the event, retains an independent security expert to evaluate and advise on security plans, implements a police reporting hub at the circuit and improves overall communication between the promoter security, police and F1 stakeholders. The World Council strongly urged the promoter to implement these recommendations and improve the situation ahead of next year’s event. The FIA will offer to participate in discussions with the local authorities and closely monitor the situation.

The 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship Calendar is confirmed as:

25 March

Australia

Melbourne

08 April

Bahrain

Bahrain

15 April

China

Shanghai

29 April

Azerbaijan

Baku

13 May

Spain

Barcelona

27 May

Monaco

Monte Carlo

10 June

Canada

Montreal

24 June

France

Le Castellet

01 July

Austria

Spielberg

08 July

United Kingdom

Silverstone

22 July

Germany

Hockenheim

29 July

Hungary

Budapest

26 August

Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps

02 September

Italy

Monza

16 September

Singapore

Singapore

30 September

Russia

Sochi

07 October

Japan

Suzuka

21 October

USA

Austin*

28 October

Mexico

Mexico City

11 November

Brazil

Sao Paolo

25 November

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

*Subject to ASN approval

FIA World Rally Championship
From 2018, private teams or individual drivers will be permitted to enter 2017 specification World Rally Cars on WRC events, without the obligation to be entered by a manufacturer. Such entries will remain subject to the approval of the FIA Rally Department, and specific restrictions on testing will apply.

The FIA confirms DMACK, Michelin and Pirelli as the nominated tire suppliers for the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship.

The FIA WRC 2 Championship will continue to be contested over seven events, with the best six scores counting towards the title. However there will no longer be mandatory rallies.

From next season, drivers entered with R5 cars who are not registered in the FIA WRC 2 Championship, or who have not been entered by a registered WRC 2 Team during the year, may use any tire brand, including those not nominated by the FIA for the WRC. This will ensure more local drivers have the possibility to compete in WRC events.

There will be no WRC Trophy title from 2018, although 2016 World Rally Cars remain eligible in the Championship.

The calendar for the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship is:

26"28 January

Monaco

Rally of Monte Carlo

16"18 February

Sweden

Rally of Sweden

09"11 March

Mexico

Rally of Mexico

06"08 April

France

Rally of France"Tour de Corse

27"29 April

Argentina

Rally of Argentina

18"20 May

Portugal

Rally of Portugal

08"10 June

Italy

Rally of Italy

27"29 July

Finland

Rally of Finland

17"19 August

Germany

Rally of Germany

14"16 September

Turkey

Rally of Turkey

05"07 October

Great Britain

Rally of Great"Britain

26"28 October

Spain

Rally of Spain

16"18 November

Australia

Rally of Australia

FIA World Endurance Championship
The following four World Championship titles will be awarded:

  • FIA World Endurance Championship for LMP Drivers
  • FIA World Endurance Championship for LMP1 Teams
  • FIA World Endurance Championship for LMGTE Drivers
  • FIA World Endurance Championship for LMGTE Manufacturers

The following Trophies will be awarded: An FIA Endurance Trophy awarded to the best LMP2 team; An FIA Endurance Trophy awarded to the best LMGTE AM team; An FIA Endurance Trophy awarded to the best LMP2 driver(s); An FIA Endurance Trophy awarded to the best LMGTE AM driver(s).

A number of changes to the Sporting and Technical Regulations were approved, including:

  • Hybrid and non-hybrid LMP1 cars will now compete together
  • A series of proposals to homogenize the performance of the hybrid LMP1s and non-hybrid LMP1s
  • Modification of the allocation of points for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and for the 1500 Miles of Sebring: 1500 Miles of Sebring (32 points, +25% in relation to a 6-hour race), 24 Hours of Le Mans (points reduced from 50 to 38 points; +50% in relation to a 6-hour race).
  • Update of the regulations regarding the pit lane, allowing tire changes and other work (such as bodywork cleaning or brake checks) during refuelling
  • The World Champion title from now on be awarded to a team of the LMP1 category and no longer to a manufacturer
  • The entry fee for the LMP1 class will be €310,000

The 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship Calendar is:

05 May

Belgium

WEC 6 Hours of Spa"Francorchamps*

16"17 June

France

Le Mans 24 Hours*

19 August

Great Britain

6 Hours of Silverstone*

21 October

Japan

6 Hours of Fuji*

18 November

China

6 Hours of Shanghai*

16"17 March (2019)

USA

1500 Miles of Sebring *

04 May (2019)

Belgium

WEC 6 Hours of Spa"Francorchamps*

15"16 June (2019)

France

24 Hours of Le Mans *

*Subject to ASN confirmation

FIA World Rallycross Championship
Several measures have been approved for the 2018 World RX to better control costs. These include new limitations on engines, turbos, tires, gearbox ratios and aerodynamic devices.

The 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar is:

13"15 April

Spain

Barcelona

27"29 April

Portugal

Montalegre**

10"13 May

Belgium

Mettet**

25"27 May

Great Britain

Silverstone*/**

07"10 June

Norway

Hell"Lanke**

28 June " 01 July

Sweden

Holjes

03"05 August

Canada

Trois"Rivières**

30 August " 02 September

France

Loheac

14"16 September

Latvia

Riga

28"30 September

USA

Austin*/**

12"14 October

Germany

Buxtehude**

23"25 November

South Africa

Cape Town*/**

*Subject to ASN confirmation
** Subject to circuit homologation

FIA Touring Car
The World Council confirmed that the FIA World Touring Car Championship and its associated brand will cease on 8 December. A new FIA World Cup will be introduced for 2018/2019 called WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup, which will be promoted by Eurosport Events Limited.

The Cup will run to FIA TCR Regulations for 2018-19 which will remain frozen for this period. Only TCR cars with an FIA World Cup passport delivered by the FIA will be eligible to compete.

The Cup will replace the TCR International Series and is for private entries only, with no manufacturer title or entries permitted. A minimum of two cars per team must be entered, with a fee of €150,000 applicable for a two-car team. There will be a maximum entry of 26 cars, and FIA-validated balance of performance and success ballast systems will be implemented.

Official tire and fuel suppliers, as well as the 2018 calendar, will be confirmed in due course.

FIA Formula 2 Championship
Updates were approved to the Sporting Regulations to ensure they are consistent with the changes made to the F1 Sporting Regulations for 2018.

The 2018 FIA Formula 2 Calendar is:

08 April

Bahrain

Sakhir

29 April

Azerbaijan

Baku

13 May

Spain

Barcelona

26 May

Monaco

Monte"Carlo

24 June

France

Le Castellet

01 July

Austria

Spielberg

08 July

Great Britain

Silverstone

29 July

Hungary

Budapest

26 August

Belgium

Spa"Francorchamps

02 September

Italy

Monza

30 September

Russia

Sochi

25 November

UAE

Yas Marina

FIA Formula 3 European Championship
Several changes to the Sporting Regulations were approved to bring them more into line with the changes made to the F1 Sporting Regulations for 2018.

The FIA has implemented a detailed structure for prize money for drivers, rookies and teams.

The 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship Calendar is:

13 May

France

Pau

03 June

Hungary

Hungaroring

24 June

Germany

Norisring

15 July

Netherlands

Zandvoort

28 July

Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps

19 August

Great Britain

Silverstone

26 August

Italy

Misano

09 September

Germany

Nürburgring

23 September

Austria

Red Bull Ring – Spielberg

14 October

Germany

Hockenheim

FIA Formula E Championship

The 2017-18 FIA Formula E Championship has already begun, with two races taking place in 2017. There has been an amendment to the calendar which was approved by the World Council, with the event in Sao Paulo, Brazil replaced by Punta del Este, Uruguay. The full calendar, with the championship resuming in 2018, is:

02 December 2017

China

Hong Kong

03 December 2017

China

Hong Kong

13 January 2018

Morocco

Marrakech

03 February 2018

Chile

Santiago de Chile*/**

03 March 2018

Mexico

Mexico City

17 March 2018

Uruguay

Punta del Este*/**

14 April 2018

Italy

Rome**

28 April 2018

France

Paris

19 May 2018

Germany

Berlin

10 June 2018

Switzerland

Zurich*/**

14 July 2018

USA

New York

15 July 2018

USA

New York

28 July 2018

Canada

Montreal

29 July 2018

Canada

Montreal

*Subject to ASN confirmation
** Subject to circuit homologation

Single-Seater Commission
The creation of Sporting Regulations governing future F3 Regional Championships certified by the FIA was approved.

The Single-Seater Commission was granted approval to create two F3 Regional Championships in the Americas and Asia.

A full update of the F3 Technical Regulations applicable to both F3 International from 2019 and F3 Regional from 2018 was approved. This will introduce newly-developed safety requirements, as well as updated bodywork and powertrain regulations.

The introduction of F3 Regional Homologation Regulations was proposed and accepted. Based on the successful F4 concept, Homologation Regulations specific to F3 Regional have been developed, with the main target of these regulations being to keep the costs, performance and homologation procedure of F3 Regional cars under control.

Formula 4 Championships Certified by FIA will now be able to race in neighboring countries regardless of whether that country has its own championship.

The F4 French Championship, Certified by FIA, will launch in 2018 and use a Mygale chassis and Renault engine.

The introduction of the second generation F4 car will be postponed until end of 2023. F4 cars featuring the Halo update kit, which has to include a new survival cell, will be available from 2019 for any new championships as well as any ASN wishing to change.

It will be optional for all ASNs running F4 championships using the current cars, but mandatory for new F4 championship(s) starting in 2019. Upon request, the life of the current cars could be extended until the end of 2023 (with no Halo). The cost of the new car will be the same as the current car plus the cost for any additional safety equipment (i.e. the halo and its installation).

GT Commission
A series of technical measures are proposed in order to harmonize the LMGTE and GT3 regulations.

Rally Commission
To increase participation by reducing costs, only the four best results will count towards the final classification of ERC 2.

From 2018 it will no longer be necessary to register for the FIA African Rally Championship, enabling more crews to score points in the series. To aid cost reduction, the minimum total distance of special stages has also been decreased to 150 kilometers and competitors who have retired will be permitted to restart under Rally 2 regulations.

To help increase participation, a Cup will be created for competitors driving SUV cars in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. Homologation of these vehicles will be completed by individual ASNs for final approval by the APRC Executive Committee.

The 2018 FIA European Rally Championship calendar is:

22-24 March

Azores Airlines Rallye

Portugal, gravel, ERC Junior

3-5 May

Rally Islas Canarias

Spain, asphalt ERC Junior

1-3 June

Acropolis Rally

Greece, gravel*

15-17 June

Cyprus Rally

Cyprus, gravel

22-22 July

Rally di Roma Capitale

Italy, asphalt ERC Junior

24-26 August

Barum Czech Rally Zlín

Czech Republic, asphalt, ERC Junior

21-23 September

Rally Poland

Poland, gravel, ERC Junior

12-14 October

Rally Liepaja

Latvia, gravel, ERC Junior

*Subject to signing of event promoter agreement

The 2018 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship calendar is:

05"06 May

New Zealand

Whangarei

01"03 June

Australia

Canberra

21"22 July

Malaysia

Johor

15"16 September

Japan

Hokkaido

20"21 October

China

Longyou

01"02 December

India

Chikmagalur

The 2018 FIA Middle East Rally Championship calendar is:

03"05 May

Jordan

Jordan Rally

15"17 June

Cyprus

Cyprus Rally

06"08 or 13"15 July

Lebanon

Rally of Lebanon

05"07 September

Iran

Iran International Rally

01"03 November

Kuwait

Kuwait International Rally

15"17 November

Qatar

Qatar International Rally

The 2018 FIA African Rally Championship calendar is:

23"25 February

Ivory Coast

Rallye Bandama Côte D'Ivoire

16"18 March

Kenya

Safari Rally Kenya

19"21 April

South Africa

York Rally South Africa

22"24 June

Zambia

Zambia International Rally

20"22 July

Uganda

Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

24"26 August

Tanzania

Rally of Tanzania

21"23 September

Rwanda

Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally

The 2018 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies calendar is:

16"18 February

Russia

Baja Russia"Northern Forest

10"11 March

UAE

Dubai International Baja

24"29 March or 01"06 April

UAE

Abu Dhabi Desert ChallengeNOTE

17"22 April

Qatar

Qatar Cross"Country RallyNOTE

27 May " 02 June

Kazakhstan

Rally Kazakhstan

21"24 June

Italy

25° Italian Baja

20"22 July

Spain

Baja Espana Arag¢n Teruel

09"12 August

Hungary

XV. Hungarian Baja

30 August " 02 September

Poland

Baja Poland

07"13 October

Morocco

Rallye Oilibya du Maroc

25"27 October

Portugal

32 Baja Portalegre 500NOTE

Off-Road Commission
The introduction of Technical Regulations Guidelines for ASNs within the launch of the Cross Car project was approved. A RWD single seater buggy type grassroots discipline aimed at helping ASNs to develop their motor sport pyramid and to create a pathway to Rally, Rallycross and Autocross was also agreed.

FIA European Truck Racing Championship

The 2018 FIA European Truck Racing Championship Calendar is:

27 May

Italy

Misano

17 June

Hungary

Hungaroring*

01 July

Germany

Nürburgring

15 July

Slovakia

Slovakiaring*

02 September

Czech Republic

Most

16 September

Belgium

Zolder

30 September

France

Le Mans 24 Heures

07 October

Spain

Jarama

*Subject to ASN confirmation

FIA European Drag Racing Championship
The calendar for the 2018 FIA European Drag Racing Championship is:

28 May

Great Britain

Santa Pod**

10 June

Sweden

Tierp Arena

01 July

Finland

Alastaro

19 August

Germany

Hockenheim

26 August

Sweden

Tierp Arena

09 September

Great Britain

Santa Pod **

** Subject to circuit homologation

Historic Motor Sport Commission
The World Council approved the launch of a new FIA Historic Formula 3 European Cup – a single event in 2018 taking place on 1-2 September at Zandvoort. The event will be open to F3 cars from 1971 to 1984 split in two categories: 1971-1978 and 1979-1984.

Two new events will be included in the FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship, with Bieszczadzki (POL) and Ustecka 21 (CZE). The Nations Cup, which is part of the championship, will now have its classification established across the whole season rather than being based on the Championship final event only in 2016 and 2017.

Several changes to the FIA Masters Historic Championships (F1 and Sports Car) were approved, including the creation of a special Cup for drivers aged over 60 in both Championships.

The calendar for the FIA Lurani Trophy for Formula Junior Cars is:

20"22 April

Germany

Hockenheim

26"27 May

Belgium

Zolder

TBC

Italy

Monza

10"12 August

Germany

Nürburgring

31 August – 02 September

Netherlands

Zandvoort

12"14 October

France

Dijon

The calendar for the FIA Masters Historic Championships is:

20"22 April

Italy

Imola*

26"27 May

Great Britain

Brands Hatch GP

22"24 June

Czech Republic

Most

20"22 July

Great Britain

Silverstone

10"12 August

Germany

Nürburgring

31 August " 02 September

Netherlands

Zandvoort

14"16 September

Belgium

Spa"Francorchamps*

12"14 October

France

Dijon

*Subject to ASN confirmation

The 2018 FIA European Historic Sporting Rally Championship calendar is:

16"17 March

Spain

66 Rally Moritz Costa Brava

20"21 April

Czech Republic

27 Historic Vltava Rally

24"26 May

Spain

10 Rally Asturias Historico

21"23 June

Belgium

Ypres Historic Rally

10"11 August

Finland

Lahti Historic Rally

30 August " 01 September

Italy

23 Rally Alpi Orientali Historic*

20"22 September

Italy

XXX Rally Elba Storico

12"13 October

Hungary

51 Mecsek Rally

*Subject to ASN confirmation

Hill Climb

The 2018 FIA European Hill Climb Championship calendar is:

13"15 April

France

St Jean du Gard " Col St Pierre

20"22 April

Austria

Rechberg

11"13 May

Portugal

Rampa Internacional da FalperraNOTE

18"20 May

Spain

Subida Internacional al Fito

01"03 June

Czech Republic

Ecce Homo Sternberk

08"10 June

EU

ADAC Glasbachrennen

22"24 June

Italy

Coppa Paolino Teodori

20"22 July

Slovakia

Dobsinsky kopec

27"29 July

Poland

Limanowa

17"19 August

Switzerland

St. Ursanne " Les Rangiers

31 August " 02 September

Slovenia

GHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica

14"16 September

Croatia

Buzetski dani

The calendar for the 2018 FIA International Hill Climb Cup is:

11"13 May

Poland

Bieszczadzki

18"20 May

Slovakia

Moris Cup Jahodná

25"27 May

Italy

Verzegnis Sella Chianzutan

15"17 June

Slovenia

GHD Gorjanci

30 June " 01 July

Italy

Trento Bondone

03"05 August

Germany

ADAC Osnabrück

10"12 August

Slovenia

GHD Lu�ine

21"23 September

Austria

Sankt Agatha

Electric and New Energy Championships Commission
The 2018 FIA Electric and New Energy Championship calendar is:

11"14 April

Italy

3° ECORally Sanremo (E"Rally Regularity)

18"19 May

Czech Republic

7. New Energies Rallye Cesky Krumlov (E"Rally Regularity)

26"27 May

Greece

Hi"Tech EcoMobility Rally 2018 (E"Rally Regularity)

09"10 June

Portugal

Portugal Eco Rally (E"Rally Regularity)

29 June "01 July

Czech Republic

Eco Energy rally Bohemia (E"Rally Regularity)

27"29 July

Bulgaria

Eco"Rally Bulgaria 2018 (E"Rally Regularity)

03"04 August

Japan

Solar Car Race Suzuka 2018 (Solar Cup)

29 August "01 September

Poland

Rally Poland New Energies (E"Rally Regularity)

20"22 September

Iceland

eRally Iceland (E"Rally Regularity)

24"28 October

Monaco

3e eRALLY MONTE"CARLO /19e RALLYE MONTE"CARLO ZEN (E"Rally Regularity)

17"18 November

Spain

Eco Rallye de la Comunitat Valenciana (E"Rally Regularity)

Safety Commission
The World Council approved the release of a new top-end helmet standard (Advanced Helmet), which offers several safety improvements over the previous highest standard. This is a landmark development that will offer the best protection available in the world. The features are:

  • Advanced ballistic protection
  • Energy absorption increase
  • More rigorous impact testing
  • Extended area of protection

This new helmet standard will be implemented in the FIA’s major championships over the coming seasons starting with F1 in 2019.

A new FIA biometric safety standard has been created with the following primary targets:

  • Allow full-time biometric monitoring for performance data
  • Allow athletes to track their biological data before, during and after racing to improve training, injury prevention and performance

The FIA is working on a project of biometric gloves conforming to this standard which will improve rescue response operations through immediately-available vital biological data as well as assist the decision-making process, even if communication with drivers may not be possible.

New safety regulations for Electric or Hybrid Electric Vehicles were approved and will be uploaded to FIA.com in due course.

Commissions
The members of the FIA Sport Commissions were agreed by the World Council – including those of the new Disability and Accessibility Commission and the new Environment and Sustainability Commission. The constitutions of these commissions will be made public on Friday (8 December) during the General Assembly.

It was confirmed that the President of the Women in Motorsport Commission will, from now on, be a member of the World Motor Sport Council by Right.

International Sporting Code
A number of changes to the International Sporting Code were approved and will now be proposed to the General Assembly. These include provisions for alcohol testing following the removal of the substance from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances as well as codes to ensure advertising on automobiles that is political or religious in nature or that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA falls under the authority of the stewards.

Next meeting
The next World Motor Sport Council will meet on 9 March in Geneva