The FIA has approved a new ‘Return to Racing’ rules package. The FIA has approved a new ‘Return to Racing’ rules package.

The FIA has approved a new ‘Return to Racing’ rules package setting down how grands prix will be run during the pandemic.

A new appendix has been added to the Sporting Regulations known as the Covid-19 Code of Conduct, which is intended to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus during race weekends.

Under the new rules, teams’ curfew restrictions will be changed in order to take into account the changed requirements due to social distancing practises. There were also be adjustments to the podium procedures and starting grid arrangements, the latter including a new limit on the number of personnel permitted.

FIA race stewards will be given the power to operate remotely “in exceptional circumstances” if needed.

Other changes have arisen due to the decision to hold back-to-back races at the same venue. These include alterations to the tyre allocation limits, which will give the FIA and Pirelli greater flexibility to change compound selections for different races.

New cost controls have also been introduced. These include limits on the number of engine software versions, fuel formulations and oil specifications teams may use during a season.

Other changes to the aerodynamic test restrictions, homologated components and fuel mass flow rate were also approved.

The revised first eight race dates for the 2020 F1 season were also formally ratified by the FIA World Motor Sports Council.