The FIA, the governing body of the Formula One races, has introduced a series of small but crucial changes to the F1 rules and regulations. The following are the new policies that each team and driver have to abide by:

DRS use

For safety reasons, drivers will only be able to use the Drag Reduction System (DRS) overtaking aid within the designated DRS zones during practice and qualifying. Previously drivers had been free to use the system as they pleased in these sessions.

Active double-DRS systems outlawed

In 2012 Mercedes developed a clever concept whereby air was channeled through an opening in the rear-wing endplate when DRS was activated and then fed through the car to help stall the front wing. For 2013 active drag reducing systems involving the DRS, such as this, have been banned.

Stepped noses

Teams have the option of tidying up the aesthetics of their cars in 2013 with the introduction of new regulations aimed at improving the look of ‘ugly’ stepped noses first seen in 2012. A small piece of laminate – nicknamed a ‘modesty’ or ‘vanity’ panel – may now be used to smooth the nose section.

Crash testing

To make F1 cars ever safer, tougher new tests on roll structures and the survival cell have been introduced for 2013. Furthermore, every chassis that a team produces, as opposed to just one, will now be subject to a static load test of the survival cell.

Curfews

The team personnel curfew – which prevents team members from being in the paddock during specified periods – has been extended from six to eight hours on Thursday nights for 2013. The number of exceptions allowed during a season has also been reduced from four to two.

Front wing tests

For 2013 front wing deflection tests will be more stringent to lessen the possibility of flexible bodywork being used to enhance aerodynamic performance.

Minimum weight

The minimum weight of the car and driver has been increased from 640kg to 642kg to compensate for the slightly increased weight of Pirelli’s 2013 tires. The mandatory weight distribution has also been adjusted accordingly.

Force majeure

The ‘force majeure’ allowance relating to when a car stops on the track during qualifying has been deleted from the regulations. For 2013 any car that stops on the track must have enough fuel for the mandatory one-liter minimum sample plus an additional amount proportional to the amount of fuel that would have been used in returning to the pits (determined by the FIA).

Qualifying

As the official 2013 entry list only comprises of 22 cars – as opposed to the 24 cars in 2012 – six cars rather than seven will now be eliminated at the end of both Q1 and Q2.

Championship entry fees

Championship entry fees have been revised. Red Bull, as constructors’ champions, were required to pay US$500,000 plus US$6,000 for each point gained in the 2012 World Constructors’ Championship to enter the 2013 championship. Every other team was required to pay a basic fee of US$500,000 plus US$5,000 for each point scored in 2012.