The FIA, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, extended the period of COVID-19 crisis measures. The measure have been placed to ensure the safety of people.
Unfortunately, Formula 1 lockdown situation has to be extended. The authorities have extended the restrictive measure with R&D work being authorized remotely. At first, postponement of F1 season was announced for 21 days. But while keeping in view the COVID-19 situation, it was extended to 35 days on April 7.
COVID-19 situation had only worsen over the time. It forced World Motor Sport Council to extend the F1 shutdown for 63 consecutive days.
Total days of shutdown accumulates to the end of May or start of June. Depending on the availability of arenas available for race by the local authorities.
However, F1 announced French Grand Prix cancellation. The Austrian Grand Prix would likely be first host of the season for Formula 1.
The 63 consecutive days extension is not valid for power unit suppliers. They have to follow the regulations till the end of 49 days time period.
FIA regulations has been lenient on R&D domain in Formula 1. It could be undertaken by the teams with strict monitoring. The authority will monitor the R&D work and would ensure no additional R&D in aerodynamic domain.
FIA Sporting Regulations
F1 sporting regulations for the teams announced: “Fifty days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a competitor, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each competitor may use the services of a maximum of 10 personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.
“The full details, including the names and job titles of all such personnel, all supporting material, and details of the work that such personnel will be undertaking must be provided to the FIA a minimum of 10 days prior to the commencement of any work.
“These personnel must not change for the remainder of the shutdown period and this work must not involve any work on projects related to the aerodynamics of the car.”
Power unit suppliers have to work under same working principles. FIA authorized only 10 personnel to work during the period. It does not dictate regulations over the type of work.
