The FIA have announced Formula 1 rule tweaks for 2019 which include an increase in fuel allowance while setting a May-end deadline to rubber-stamp the engine rules for 2021 and beyond.
Drivers will be allowed more fuel next season to race at full speed from start to finish rather than having to worry about keeping enough in the tank to get to the chequered flag.
The governing FIA said the rise from 105kg to 110kg was among a number of issues agreed by the Strategy Group, which includes the top teams, and Formula 1 Commission in Paris on Tuesday.
Under current regulations, with the cars heavier and thirstier due to aerodynamic changes and the addition of the 'halo' head protection system, some fuel saving is necessary to the frustration of fans and drivers.
Engines, however, are also limited at present to three per driver per season, with teams also concerned about putting too much stress on them.
Other measures for 2019 were for the weight of the car to be separated from that of the driver in future and for all drivers to wear biometric gloves to increase safety and facilitate medical rescue.
The gloves contain sensors to gather personal data, such as heart rate, to help assess a driver's condition in the event of a crash.
The minimum weight of drivers is expected to be set at 80kg, with ballast required for anyone weighing less. At present taller drivers are at a weight disadvantage.
The FIA said discussions would continue about aerodynamics, with the aim of taking a decision by the end of April once research carried out by the governing body with help from the teams had been concluded.
Formula 1's commercial rights holders Liberty Media want to see increased overtaking with more teams having a chance of winning races.
The FIA also presented its proposed engine regulations for 2021, with current deals expiring at the end of 2020, and beyond.
They were for a 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid engine, as is currently used, but without the MGU-H exhaust energy recovery system.
The governing body said it would meet current and potential power unit manufacturers to discuss the proposals in more detail and hoped to reach an agreement by the end of May.
Formula 1 currently has four engine providers - champions Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda -- but others such as Aston Martin have expressed an interest in coming in if the rules are right for them.
Ferrari have warned, however, that they could walk away if they don't like what is on offer.
FIA statement:
The Formula 1 Strategy Group and the Formula 1 Commission met today, 17th April, at the FIA headquarters in Paris, in the presence of Jean Todt, FIA President, and Chase Carey, Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1.
Positive and constructive discussions were held regarding the future of Formula 1.
Firstly, regarding technical regulations for the 2019 season, the following changes were agreed, subject to World Motor Sport Council approval:
- Increase the fuel allowance for the race from 105 to 110 kg, in order to be able to use the engine at full power at all times
- Separate the weight of the car from that of the driver
- Require all drivers to wear biometric gloves to increase safety and facilitate medical rescue.
Discussions will continue on proposals relating to aerodynamics, with a view to taking a decision by the end of April, once research being conducted by the FIA, in consultation with the teams, has been concluded.
Secondly, the FIA presented its proposals for the 2021 power unit regulations:
- 1.6 litre engine
- V6 Turbo Hybrid
- Deletion of MGU-H exhaust energy recovery.
The FIA Technical Department will now meet with current and potential power unit manufacturers to discuss in more detail, with a view to concluding the 2021 regulations by the end of May.
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