Refuelling
For the first time since 1993, mid-race refuelling has been outlawed. Not only does this mean that cars get quicker towards the end of the race as the weight of a full tank of gas is burned off, but it also reduces the strategic value of pit-stops, forcing drivers to go for it on the track.
Points
While recent seasons awarded the top eight drivers with championship points, in 2010 they’re handed out to the top 10. So expect aggressive driving further down the pack, as the smaller teams scrap it out for the last of the spoils.
Qualifying
The three-round qualifying system introduced in 2006 returns, but has been adjusted to cope with the extra teams taking part in the 2010 season. Seven drivers are now knocked out in the first round and another seven in the second, leaving the top 10 to fight it out for pole position in round three.
Tyres
Drivers were allotted 14 sets of tyres per race weekend last year, but this season it’s been reduced to just 11. Furthermore, various heating devices used by teams to get warmth into tyres prior to the race have been banned, with tyre blankets the only option for raising tyre temperature before the green light.
Stewards
The panel of judges responsible for dealing out penalties must now include a former Formula One driver at each race. At the time of press it was unknown who will preside over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – being decided the week before the race – but Finnish driver Mika Salo and Frenchman Jean Alesi have both been spotted at Yas Marina Circuit in the past couple of months…
