FIA announces World Motor Sport Council decisions
Under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the close of the first FIA eConference, members of the World Motor Sport Council convened remotely from locations across the globe for the second meeting of 2020, chaired by FIA President Jean Todt and FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker.
The following is a summary of the decisions taken during the meeting:
Coronavirus COVID-19
The global situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and over the past weeks the Council noted the publication of extensive ‘Return to Motor Sport’ guidelines prepared by the FIA under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President, Professor Gérard Saillant, following discussions with the World Health Organisation. It sets out best practices for the running of events as it becomes possible to do so under any applicable health regulations.
Specifically with regard to the resumption of the FIA Formula One World Championship and other championships and International Series taking place at the same Events (such as the FIA Formula 2 Championship, FIA Formula 3 Championship and Porsche Supercup), the Council approved the addition of Appendix S to the International Sporting Code – the COVID-19 Code of Conduct.
The FIA has consulted the guidance issued by public health authorities, and the advice of an independent external expert, in order to put together the protocols set out in this COVID-19 Code of Conduct to mitigate the risks of transmission of COVID-19 that may arise during the staging of Events that include a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
The scope of the COVID-19 Code of Conduct will be expanded to certain other championships, as well as to other categories of motor sport.
#PurposeDriven movement
Following its announcement at the conclusion of the FIA eConference yesterday (18 June), the Council was presented with, and offered its full support for, the FIA #PurposeDriven movement. As part of the movement, the FIA will endeavour to act as a catalyst and a guide for the objective and ambition of the sport to accelerate responsibly its positive contribution to society in all sectors, including health, safety, economy, the environment, education, inclusion and diversity. FIA President Jean Todt invited all motor sport community members to commit to a Purpose Pledge and to take concrete actions in this direction.
FIA Formula One World Championship
The Council noted the approval of the first eight events of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship by the FIA President on 2 June. The calendar is as follows:
03-05 July 2020 | Austria | Spielberg |
10-12 July 2020 | Austria | Spielberg |
17-19 July 2020 | Hungary | Budapest |
31 July – 02 August 2020 | Great Britain | Silverstone |
07-09 August 2020 | Great Britain | Silverstone |
14-16 August 2020 | Spain | Barcelona |
28-30 August 2020 | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
04-06 September 2020 | Italy | Monza |
Following the Council’s approval of the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Technical and Sporting Regulations by e-vote on 27 May, further meetings have taken place between the Formula 1 Teams, Power Unit Manufacturers, and the FIA in order to refine them. The main adjustments approved by the Council today are as follows:
Changes to the 2020 Sporting Regulations
A number of adjustments to facilitate the Return to Racing operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:
- Ability for the Stewards to operate remotely in exceptional circumstances, should the conditions require it
- Adjustments to team curfew periods because of working conditions under social distancing
- Amendments to the tyre allocation regulations to give greater operational flexibility to the FIA and Pirelli
- Introduction of Team Personnel Limits at the starting grid
- Adjustments to the certain race procedures (start, race resumption, etc.)
- Definition of the Podium Ceremony for Open and Closed Events to cater for COVID-19 restrictions
Changes to the 2020 and 2021 Technical Regulations
- Addition of Article 5.1.6, related to the partial-load fuel mass flow rate
- Adjustments and refinements to Article 22, concerning the newly-introduced Homologated Components
Changes to the 2021 Sporting Regulations
- Refinements to the Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions
Changes to the 2021 Technical Regulations
- Limitation to the number of software versions a team can use in a year for cost reasons
- Limitation in the number of fuel formulations and engine oil specifications that can be approved in a year for cost reasons
FIA World Endurance Championship
Changes to the technical regulations of the Le Mans Hypercar category, which will become the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship next season, have been approved by the Council. The changes focus on three key areas: power, weight and control of aerodynamic performance.
The maximum power of Le Mans Hypercars has been brought down from the initially planned 585kW to 500kW. Along with the reduction in power, comes a decrease in minimum weight of the cars, from 1100kg to 1030kg. The changes will make both the development and the running of the cars more cost-effective while maintaining performance objectives.
General principles of the convergence between the Le Mans Hypercar and Le Mans Daytona “h” have also been agreed. A unique Balance of Performance system will ensure both types of cars will operate in the same performance window.
LMDh will be based on one of the four chassis that will be available, and will be fitted with common rear hybrid system, a manufacturer-branded engine and a manufacturer-stylised bodywork.
FIA World Rally Championship
Prioritising cost-saving measures, a number of changes to the Sporting Regulations have been ratified to facilitate the restart of the 2020 season. This includes a reduction in the number of engines used by WRC teams from three to two if there are eight or fewer rounds in 2020, and the limitation of pre-event testing to one day for every Manufacturer driver entered in a European WRC round, the test to be used before the corresponding event. Both proposals have already been approved by competitors registered in the 2020 WRC, in accordance with article 18.2.4 of the International Sporting Code.
While the calendar for the 2020 season is being revised as a result of COVID-19, a proposal for the 2021 calendar has been approved, with the first nine events ready for inclusion, six of which were ratified by the Council in 2019. Dates and the remaining events are to be confirmed.
Monte Carlo 1 | Tarmac |
|
Finland | Gravel |
|
Portugal | Gravel |
|
Sweden | Snow | WMSC confirmed in 2019 |
Kenya | Gravel | WMSC confirmed in 2019 |
Spain | Tarmac | WMSC confirmed in 2019 1 |
Italy | Gravel | WMSC confirmed in 2019 |
Japan | Tarmac | WMSC confirmed in 2019 |
Australia 2 | Gravel | WMSC confirmed in 2019 1 |
1. Subject to Event Promoter Agreement
2. New location, same organiser
FIA World Rallycross Championship
The Council approved the updated 2020 calendar as follows:
22‐23 August 2020 | Sweden | Höljes |
29‐30 August 2020 | Finland | Kouvola |
19‐20 September 2020 | Latvia | Riga |
02‐04 October 2020 | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
09‐11 October 2020 | Portugal | Montalegre |
16‐18 October 2020 | Spain | Barcelona |
30‐31 October 2020 | United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi |
11‐13 December 2020 | Germany | Nürburgring |
FIA Karting Championships
The 2021 FIA Karting Championship calendars are confirmed as follows:
FIA Karting World Championship – OK
28-31 October 2021 | Brazil | Birigui |
FIA Karting World Championship – Junior
28-31 October 2021 | Brazil | Birigui |
FIA Karting World Championship – KZ
02-05 September 2021 | Sweden | Kristianstad |
FIA Karting European Championship – OK
15-18 April 2021 | Spain | Zuera |
13-16 May 2021 | Belgium | Genk |
27-30 May 2021 | France | Aunay-Les-Bois |
08-11 July 2021 | Italy | Sarno |
FIA Karting European Championship – Junior
15-18 April 2021 | Spain | Zuera |
13-16 May 2021 | Belgium | Genk |
27-30 May 2021 | France | Aunay-Les-Bois |
08-11 July 2021 | Italy | Sarno |
FIA Karting European Championship – KZ
29 April - 02 May 2021 | Italy | Lonato |
18-21 June 2021 | Germany | Mülsen |
FIA Karting European Championship – KZ2
29 April - 02 May 2021 | Italy | Lonato |
18-21 June 2021 | Germany | Mülsen |
FIA Karting International Super Cup – KZ2
02-05 September 2021 | Sweden | Kristianstad |
FIA Karting Academy Trophy
29 April - 02 May 2021 | Italy | Lonato |
18-21 June 2021 | Germany | Mülsen |
02-05 September 2021 | Sweden | Kristianstad |
ABB FIA Formula E Championship
The Council approved a series of modifications to the FIA Formula E Sporting Regulations, as the championship prepares for its new status as a World Championship from the start of the 2020/21 season. In order to organise the championship more efficiently, a series of cost-consolidation measures aimed at supporting its sporting and financial health have also been ratified. Furthermore, these measures are part of ongoing efforts to keep increasing the sustainability of the Championship while reducing its carbon footprint.
The 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar has been approved as follows:
16 January 2021 | Chile | Santiago de Chile |
13 February 2021 | Mexico | Mexico City |
26 February 2021 | Saudi Arabia | Diriyah |
27 February 2021 | Saudi Arabia | Diriyah |
13 March 2021 | China | Sanya |
10 April 2021 | Italy | Rome* |
24 April 2021 | France | Paris |
08 May 2021 | Monaco | Monaco* |
23 May 2021 | South Korea | Seoul* |
05 June 2021 | TBC | TBC |
19 June 2021 | Germany | Berlin |
10 July 2021 | USA | New York City |
24 July 2021 | United Kingdom | London* |
25 July 2021 | United Kingdom | London* |
*Subject to circuit homologation
FIA WTCR - World Touring Car Cup
Several changes to the 2020 FIA WTCR Sporting Regulations have been approved in order to provide the organisers with flexibility regarding event formats, namely in permitting both two- and three-race weekends. Additionally, the championship will revert to just a single qualifying (Q1, Q2 & Q3) session irrespective of the number of races, with the allocation of qualifying points amended accordingly.
A number of measures have also been instigated to reduce the operating costs for the teams, including reducing:
- The number of tyres permitted at each event
- The number of turbo chargers permitted throughout the season
- The number of team personnel permitted to work on the car
Finally, the window for full season entries has been reopened, but entries will be limited to single car teams and eligible for the driver’s title(s) only.
FIA World Cup for Cross Country – Rallies and Bajas
In view of the reduction from eight scheduled to four potential events in the 2020 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas, for this year only the awarding of the titles will be based on the maximum number of best results from the events contested, less one (instead of two).
As a transitional measure until 30 June 2021, SSVs complying with the Technical Regulations of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) will be permitted to contest FIA World Cup events in Group T4, allowing additional time for the FIA and ASO to harmonise their regulations.
The application of the regulation to reduce the overall width of T3 vehicles has been postponed by six months to 1 July 2021. This will enable competitors who have been unable to have FIA Technical Passports validated on events this year, due to the pandemic, to be issued with passports for current vehicles before the regulation takes effect.
The 2020 calendars have been revised due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are currently planned as follows:
FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies
22-27 February 2020 | Qatar | Qatar Cross Country Rally |
14-20 September 2020 | Kazakhstan | Rally Kazakhstan |
08-13 October 2020 | Morocco | Rallye du Maroc* |
20-26 November 2020 | United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge |
* Subject to ASN confirmation
FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas
06-09 February 2020 | Russia | Baja Russia – Northern Forest |
03-06 September 2020 | Poland | Baja Poland |
05-07 November 2020 | Portugal | Baja Portalegre 500 |
TBC | United Arab Emirates | Dubai International Baja |
FIA Regional Rally Championships
Measures have been adopted to address issues linked to the COVID-19 crisis and encourage participation in international series. National drivers and co-drivers (exclusively) participating in an FIA rally competition organised in their country now benefit from an equivalence process between National and International licenses without additional financial or administrative constraints.
To secure the sporting value of awarded titles, a minimum number of championship events has been set at 50% of the initial calendar, with a minimum of three.
In the APRC, facing precariousness for its two Cups due to the pandemic, eligibility criteria have been reduced and a wild card system has been introduced to allow ASNs to nominate competitors participating in the series’ Final. These last two proposals have been approved by competitors already registered in the 2020 FIA Regional Rally Championships, in accordance with article 18.2.4 of the International Sporting Code.
Further changes to the Regional Rally Sporting Regulations, applicable from 2021, provide for the possibility of using tyre pressure and temperature sensors in rally, with the aim of improving safety, notably through the detection of slow punctures, and the standardisation of practices across FIA championships. For registered drivers driving Rally2, Rally2-Kit and R-GT cars in the ERC, provisions based on a simplified version of the WRC regulations now limit the number of tyre types to a maximum of three on tarmac – two on gravel – with the aim of enhancing sporting equity and reducing costs for competitors.
Amendments to the Technical Regulations for Rally4 include the addition of an air restrictor to the turbocharger and the harmonisation of the minimum weight, wheel diameters and brake discs diameters between Ra4B and Ra4C cars. For Rally3, the same diameter of 30mm has been retained for the air restrictor.
The status of the calendars for the 2020 FIA Regional Rally Championships is confirmed as follows, subject to ASN agreement and approval:
FIA European Rally Championship
24-26 July 2020 | Italy | Rally di Roma Capitale |
14-16 August 2020 | Latvia | Rally Liepaja |
28-30 August 2020 | Czech Republic | Barum Czech Rally Zlin |
17-19 September 2020 | Portugal | Azores Rallye |
16-18 October 2020 | Cyprus | Cyprus Rally |
06-08 November 2020 | Hungary | Rally Hungary |
26-28 November 2020 | Spain | Rally Islas Canarias |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Alps Rally Trophy
01-03 October 2020 | Italy | 67 Rallye Sanremo |
15-17 October 2020 | Switzerland | Rallye International du Valais |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Balkan Rally Trophy
25-26 September 2020 | Romania | Transilvania Rally |
02-03 October 2020 | Serbia | Serbia Rally |
23-24 October 2020 | Romania | Arad Rally |
TBA | Turkey | Rally Esok |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Baltic Rally Trophy
31 July - 01 August 2020 | Lithuania | Rally Rokiskis |
14-16 August 2020 | Latvia | Rally Liepaja |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Benelux Rally Trophy
01-03 October 2020 | Belgium | Renties Ypres Rally |
06-08 November 2020 | Belgium | Rallye du Condroz-Huy |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Celtic Rally Trophy
26-27 September 2020 | Ireland | Cork 20 International Rally |
01-03 October 2020 | Belgium | Renties Ypres Rally |
TBA | United Kingdom | Circuit of Ireland International Rally |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Central Rally Trophy
07-09 August 2020 | Czech Republic | 39. Valasska Rally Valmez |
03-05 September 2020 | Austria | Rallye Weiz |
10-12 September 2020 | Slovenia | 9. MAHLE Rally Nova Gorica |
24-26 September 2020 | Croatia | Zagreb Open - 46. INA delta rally NOTE |
05-07 November 2020 | Germany | 23. Int. ADMV-Lausitz-Rallye |
NOTE: Yellow card and deployment of Rally Safety Task Force application
FIA European Rally Trophy – Iberian Rally Trophy
28 February - 01 March 2020 | Portugal | Rallye Serras de Fafe |
06-08 August 2020 | Portugal | Rali Vinho da Madeira |
08-12 September 2020 | Spain | Rallye Princesa de Asturias Ciudad de Oviedo |
13-15 November 2020 | Portugal | Rali Casinos Algarve |
FIA European Rally Trophy – Final
05-07 November 2020 | Germany | 23. Int. ADMV-Lausitz-Rallye |
FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Asia Cup
16-18 October 2020 | China | Rally Longyou |
TBA | India | South India Rally |
FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Pacific Cup
16-18 October 2020 | Australia | Rally Adelaide |
27-29 November 2020 | Australia | Rally Coffs Harbour |
TBA | New Zealand | International Rally of Whangarei |
FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship – Final
27-29 November 2020 | Australia | Rally Coffs Harbour |
FIA Middle East Rally Championship
06-08 February 2020 | Oman | Rally of Oman |
04-06 September 2020 | Lebanon | Rally of Lebanon |
24-26 September 2020 | Jordan | Jordan Rally MERC |
16-18 October 2020 | Cyprus | Cyprus Rally |
TBA | Qatar | Manateq Qatar International Rally |
FIA CODASUR Rally Championship
20-23 August 2020 | Bolivia | Rally de Santa Cruz |
24-27 September 2020 | Brazil | Rally de Erechim |
19-22 November 2020 | Uruguay | Rally del Atlántico |
TBA | Paraguay | Rally Transitapúa |
TBA | Argentina | Rally Argentina |
FIA NACAM Rally Championship
12-15 March 2020 | Mexico | Rally Leon |
30 July - 01 August 2020 | Mexico | Rally Montanas |
28-29 August 2020 | Mexico | Rally Oaxaca |
26-27 November 2020 | Mexico | Rally Colima |
TBA | Barbados | Rally Barbados |
FIA R-GT Cup
24-26 January 2020 | Monaco | Rallye Monte Carlo |
24-26 July 2020 | Italy | Rally di Roma Capitale |
01-03 October 2020 | Belgium | Renties Ypres Rally |
16-18 October 2020 | Germany | Rally of Germany |
FIA European Rallycross Championship
It has been agreed to extend the use of single-spec Engine Control Unit in the Super1600 category of the FIA European Rallycross Championship by a further two years in order to avoid the possibility of traction control or other driver aids being implemented. The currently used GEMS-supplied unit was chosen following a tender procedure and has been in use since 2018.
The 2020 European Rallycross Championship calendars have been approved as follows:
FIA European Rallycross Championship (Supercar)
22‐23 August 2020 | Sweden | Höljes |
19‐20 September 2020 | Latvia | Riga |
02‐04 October 2020 | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps |
FIA European Rallycross Championship (Super1600)
29‐30 August 2020 | Finland | Kouvola |
09‐11 October 2020 | Portugal | Montalegre |
16‐18 October 2020 | Spain | Barcelona |
FIA Sport Clubs Solidarity Programme
The Council gave its full backing to an update on the FIA Sport Clubs Solidarity Programme, which has been created to support the ASNs and ACNs during the pandemic and as they start to resume their events and activities. The programme will ensure that when motor sport can get back on track, it will be organised in a safe and sustainable way, compliant with the guidance of Governments and WHO public health advice.
The Council also strongly endorsed proposals to significantly increase financial support to the Clubs, including the waiving of basic membership fees and an increase in grant allocations up to approximately €5 million, pending approval from the FIA Senate.
FIA Single-Seater Commission
The Council was informed that an ongoing evaluation of global cost-cutting measures for single-seater categories is being undertaken by the Commission.
A delay to the introduction of the second generation FIA Formula 4 car from 1 January 2021 to 1 November 2021 was approved, again to reduce costs.
FIA Women in Motorsport Commission
The Council heard a presentation of the activities of the Commission that, with support from the FIA Innovation Fund, recently launched FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars, an innovative new project to provide a clear and long-term pathway for the development of up and coming female racing talent. Scuderia Ferrari, through its Ferrari Driver Academy, has become the first manufacturer partner of the programme and this four-year commitment will see two drivers become part of the Academy and potentially go on to participate in an FIA Formula 4 season.
FIA Off-Road Commission
The creation of the FIA Junior Cross Car Academy Trophy has been agreed, with sporting principles modelled on those of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, including the use, under an “arrive & drive” principle of single-make vehicles designated following a tender procedure. The competition is designed to allow National Sporting Authorities worldwide to detect and promote young talents. The events are to be held on the same bill as selected rounds of the FIA European Autocross Championship.
In light of the current Covid-19 crisis and due to its direct consequences, the 2020 editions of the FIA European Autocross Championship and the FIA European Cross Car Championship have been cancelled.
FIA Hill Climb Commission
Principles of control of the development and engine performance limitations in the context of the FIA Hill Climb Championship and FIA International Hill Climb Cup have been announced. These restrictions will particularly apply to cars from Category 2 (single- and two-seater cars, respectively Groups E2-SS and E2-SC).
A technical adviser will be appointed, who – in collaboration with the FIA Technical Department – will have to evaluate the most appropriate measures (both easily applicable and verifiable) to limit engine performances. These new provisions will be integrated into the technical regulations of Category 2 cars from 2021. The changes are driven by several factors with safety, cost-control and maintenance of level-playing field being the key reasons.
Environment and Sustainability Commission
The Council was presented with an update to the global Environmental Strategy currently under development across both the Sport and Mobility pillars of the FIA. The Strategy will guide FIA members towards competitive practices and activities to demonstrate environmental leadership and apply sustainable innovations, and also promote sustainable motor sport and mobility to contribute to global targets of environmental and sustainable agendas. The Commission asked for the feedback of the Council members as the Strategy continues to be developed over the coming months.
FIA Truck Racing Commission
From the 2020 FIA European Truck Racing Championship season onwards, lambda sensors responsible for smoke management control will be mandatory in all competitors’ trucks. General principles of a technical transition roadmap have also been approved, outlining progressive introduction of environmentally friendly energy sources.
The amended 2020 FIA ETRC calendar has been approved as follows:
29-30 August 2020 | Czech Republic | Most |
12-13 September 2020 | Belgium | Zolder |
26-27 September 2020 | Spain | Jarama |
17-18 October 2020 | Hungary | Hungaroring |
7-8 November 2020 | France | Le Mans |
14-15 November 2020 | Italy | Misano |
Historic Motor Sport Commission
The following 2020 calendars have been approved as follows:
FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship
18‐19 July 2020 | United Kingdom | Donington |
04‐06 September 2020 | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
25‐27 September 2020 | Belgium | Spa‐Francorchamps |
FIA Masters Historic Sportscar Championship
18‐19 July 2020 | United Kingdom | Donington |
04‐06 September 2020 | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
25‐27 September 2020 | Belgium | Spa‐Francorchamps |
FIA Historic Formula 3 European Cup
04‐06 September 2020 | Netherlands | Zandvoort |
FIA European Historic Sporting Rally Championship
05‐06 September 2020 | Austria | Rally Weiz |
17‐19 September 2020 | Italy | XXXII Rally Elba Storico |
15‐17 October 2020 | Switzerland | Rallye International du Valais |
06‐07 November 2020 | Czech Republic | 29 Historic Vltava Rally |
27‐28 November 2020 | Spain | 12 Rally Asturias Historico |
FIA Trophy for Historic Regularity Rallies
02‐04 October 2020 | Switzerland | Alpine Challenge |
FIA Historic Hill Climb Championship
31 July ‐ 02 August 2020 | Czech Republic | Ecce Homo Sternberk |
28‐30 August 2020 | Slovenia | GHD Petrol Ilirska Bistrica |
18‐20 September 2020 | Croatia | Buzetski Dani |
25‐27 September 2020 | Italy | Coppa Chianti Classico |
TBC | Italy | Trento-Bondone (TBC) |
Further 2020 FIA International Sporting Calendars
The following calendar request from Macau was approved:
Asian Le Mans Series
29 November 2020 | Japan | Suzuka* |
13 December 2020 | China | Shanghai** |
9 January 2021 | Thailand | Buriram** |
23 January 2021 | Malaysia | Sepang** |
*Subject to ASN confirmation
**Subject to ASN confirmation and circuit homologation
Upcoming 2020 World Motor Sport Council Meetings
9 October 2020 | Paris |
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16 December 2020 | Munich | At the occasion of the FIA Annual General Assembly |