New Engine Plans Amended

The FIA have agreed today that they have effectively scrapped the idea of introducing four cylinder, turbo charged engines from 2013.

The intention now is that from 2014, the engines will be reduced to V6 designs from the current V8's. They will still be 1.6L turbos as previously planned.

The change has arisen since three of the four current engine providers (all bar Renault) were against the plans, and many involved in the sport were concerned that it may dampen the excitement.

The guidelines are expected to be officially signed off in a meeting of the  WMSC shortly.

For more, visit www.autosport.com

2013 Engine Regulations Agreed

The World Motor Sport Council in a meeting today gave the green light to the proposed changes to Formula One car specifications for the 2013 season.

The new engines are to be turbocharged, but reduced in size from the current 2.4L V8's, to 1.6L four cylinder designs. KERS and other energy recovery devices are still expected to be maintained in an effort to make the cars as fuel efficient as possible.

However, despite the changes being agreed in principle, there is an option now available for the FIA to delay the introduction of the new style engines beyond 2013.

Other changes to be introduced include a reduction in the maximum nose height of cars, to increase safety in the event of a 'T-Bone' accident, and an increase to the weight of the cars.

For more information on this, visit www.formula1.com

Bahrain To Rejoin 2011 Calendar

The FIA announced today that the Bahrain Grand Prix - which was postponed earlier in the year due to political unrest in the region - will now take place on 30 October 2011.

The inaugral Indian Grand Prix was originally due to be held on this date, but has now been moved to December and will become the final round of the 2011 season. Some critics have suggested that this may be a welcomed move by the Indian authorities, as the circuit may not have been ready for it's original date.

The head of the FIA, Jean Todt, commissioned a 'fact-finding mission' to discover the current political situation in Bahrain. Following this, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) voted unanimously in favour of reinstating the Grand Prix. The FIA claim that this decision "reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain".

There must, however, be concerns as to whether teams, drivers, mechanics, fans, media and sponsors will want to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix where the Country has still not returned to complete stability, and Human Rights abuses are still being reported.

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) will no doubt make a decision regarding this in the near future. However, many teams and individuals have spoken out about the situation, including Red Bull's Mark Webber, and Renault boss Eric Boullier.

For more information regarding the announcement from the FIA, visit www.formula1.com