Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement A raft of measures have been agreed that should cut the budgets of Formula One teams by at least 30%. Big savings will be made on engine costs, in-season testing and staff numbers, following a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Monaco. FIA boss Max Mosley had wanted all teams to use a "one size fits all" standardised Cosworth engine. The teams rejected that proposal but have agreed to use lower-cost, longer-lasting engines from 2009. From 2010 there will be a ban on refuelling and, subject to market research, Grand Prix distances could be shortened. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's idea to decide the drivers' title with Olympic-style medals rather than points also needs further research, the sport's governing body said. "I think this is probably the first step towards Formula One saving itself," said Mosley. 606: DEBATE The refuelling ban is frankly the best news I've heard all day!
The artist formerly known as! The independent teams will use engines costing less than £4.5m per season from 2009, supplied by an independent supplier or a manufacturer backed by guarantees of continuity. The FIA estimates that this will provide a 50% saving for the independent teams. All the teams have committed to significant cuts in spending on engines. Each team will be allowed to use a maximum of 20 engines per season and the power of the engines will be capped. There will be no in-season testing from next season except during a race weekend and during scheduled practice. The teams have also agreed that manpower will be reduced by a range of measures, including the sharing of information on tyres and fuel. The FIA estimates the list of changes for 2009 will save the manufacturer teams approximately 30% of their budgets compared to 2008, with the savings for independent teams even greater. "The teams have now really got behind the idea, and instead of being reluctant, they are being positive," Mosley added. "But what's significant about these changes is when you walk down the pit lane, or you sit in the grandstand or watch television, you will notice no difference at all. "But inevitably, in any industry, if you reduce the costs then you reduce the number of people. "The teams currently employ between 700 and 1000 people just to put two cars on the grid. In any event, that is not sustainable." PROPOSALS IN FULL: Engines: - From 2009, engine life to be doubled. Each driver to use maximum of eight engines per season; each team can use an additional four for testing - Limited to 18,000 revs per minute. - Cost to independent teams will be approximately 50% of 2008 prices. - 2010 engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012. Race weekend: - From 2010, standardised radio and telemetry systems, a ban on tyre warmers, mechanical purging of tyres and refuelling on race weekends. - Possible reduction in race distance or duration (proposal to follow after market research). Research: - No wind tunnel exceeding 60% scale and 50 metres per second to be used after 1 January 2009. - Restrictions on aerodynamic research, combined with a full analysis of factory facilities. - Factory closures for six weeks per year, to accord with local laws. Other: - From 2010, subject to confirmation of practicability, the same transmission will be used by all teams. - FIA to compose a standard parts list for the chassis. - FIA and Formula One Teams' Association to study possibility of an entirely new power train (engine and transmission) for 2013, based on energy efficiency.
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The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has revealed the details of the cost-cutting measures for Formula One that were agreed on Wednesday in talks with the teams. The new measures are expected to save the manufacturer teams at least 30 percent of their budgets next season, with the savings increasing as more of the measures are introduced in the future. The raft of agreements has saved the teams from the threat of standardised engines until at least 2013 and savings for independent teams are predicted by the FIA to be even higher.

For next season the engines will now have to last 3 races, rather than thee current 2 race requirement, and each driver is allowed up to 8 engines throughout the year and the team is allowed a further 4 for testing. Engines will now be rev limited to 18,000 rpm and Renault managed to obtain agreement from the other teams for modifications of its engine to bring it into line with the other engines in the sport. Testing will be affected, with in season testing banned and wind tunnels not to exceed 6:10 scale or 50 metres per second. Teams will be expected to share fuel and tyre data at grand prix in an effort to save on the manpower requirement at the race weekends. The teams will also have to close their factories for 6 weeks a year. The FIA will also be conducting research into the possibility of using a medal system for F1 next season, an idea championed by Bernie Ecclestone, the boss of Formula One Management.

Starting in 2010 more changes will come into force, with the introduction of the cheaper engines being made available to independent teams, costing less than €5 million per season. Any contracts for the cheaper 2010 engines will have to be signed by the 20th of December, 2008. Another engine freeze will occur at the start of the 2010 season, with the engines from 2010 continuing through to the end of 2012. The FIA also intends to try to introduce standardised transmission systems in 2010 and will look at chassis design to determine which aerodynamic parts will be standardised or allowed to be competitive differentiators. Races will see more changes in 2010 with the use of tyre warmers and refuelling banned, and the possibility of shorter race distances has been put forward pending market research. What work the teams can engage in at the factories will also be further limited this season to reduce the manpower and other running costs.

The FIA has raised the possibility of a new power train entirely to be developed for the 2013 season, in consultation with the Formula One Teams Association, and will also discuss making Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) compulsory from 2010. KERS, which is being introduced as a voluntary measure in 2009, has divided the teams with some embracing the technology while others, such as Ferrari, have criticised it.