A number of changes designed to improve driver safety and cut development costs are to be introduced for the new season, enabling the “minnows” to compete on a level footing with the big-spending manufactures’ team.

Accidents:
Drivers must maintain race position while safety car in use – entry to pits or overtaking forbidden.

GPS marshalling system:
LED lights fitted in cockpit or steering wheel alert drivers to track conditions – more effective than flags. Blue colour means faster car trying to overtake; red colour mean race stopped and yellow colour means danger ahead, slow down.

Cockpit safety
A few modifications have been for cockpit safety purposes.

Engine freeze:
Engine design as used during last two races of 2006 must remain in use until 2010 – only minor alterations allowed.

Two-race engine rule:
This rule no longer applies to Friday practice sessions

Tyres:
Two different specifications allowed per weekend – both must be used during race. Four sets allowed on Friday, 10 for remainder of weekend. Bridgestone become the sole supplier in F1.

Friday practice:
Two sessions extended from 60 minutes to 90 minutes each. Only two cars per team, with one test driver permitted.