F1 regulation changes announced for 2002.

The World Motor Sport Council met in K?ln today, and ratified a number of changes to the Formula One sporting and technical regulations for 2002. These include:

2002 SPORTING REGULATIONS:
? radio signals may now pass bi-directionally between cars and pits;
? the FIA will no longer limit the amount of testing teams carry out.

2002 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS:
? no system which is capable of detecting the race start signal will be permitted;
? electronically controlled power steering systems will no longer be permitted.

The Council also examined a number of proposals aimed at increasing the already high safety standards in Formula One, and, in addition to measures previously announced, the following will apply from the start of 2002:

? the rear impact absorbing structure will be subjected to a side load test;
? wheel tether strength will be increased by 20%;
? the size of the rear view mirrors will be increased by 20%;
? the size of the rear light will be increased by 50%.

The new regulations will doubtless be the subject of much discussion in the next few days and throw up some interesting possibilities, with the precise meaning of the new rulings - a science of its own in Formula One - quite likely yet to be defined.