Motor Sport Council decisions

[Gerard]

The World Motor Sport Council met in Monaco on 8 December 2000 to examine the proposals submitted by the different Commissions. The following decisions were taken:

FORMULA ONE

The World Motor Sport Council noted the unanimous recommendation of the Formula One Technical Working Group that all restrictions on the electronic control of engines and transmissions should be removed, but confirmed the decision of the Formula One Commission that the Technical Working Group should incorporate this recommendation in a package of new measures to use electronic and other means to improve safety in Formula One. The Technical Working Group is also required to propose measures which will absolutely guarantee that there can be no additional use of electronics as an aid to competitive driving in Formula One.

Among the safety devices discussed (but not yet voted on) were a device to alert the driver to the presence of a car in front when visibility is reduced by spray, and a form of adaptive speed control for use in emergencies (yellow flag). The Technical Working Group package will be discussed at a meeting between the FIA and the Formula One team principals on 14 February 2001 and, if agreed upon, submitted to a fax vote of the World Motor Sport Council by 1 March. If the World Motor Sport Council vote is positive, unrestricted engine electronics may be permitted as early as the 2001 Spanish Grand Prix.