Most of the initial details have remained the same, with the refueling ban still on for the 2010 season. However, the controversial two-tier and budget cap rules that triggered the political chaos between the FIA and the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) midway through the ongoing season have been totally scrapped.
Another thing that remained the same is the engine limit per driver, as each contester will have to compete the entire season within an 8-engine frame. Every extra engine used in 2009 will enforce a penalty from the FIA. Though it was initially believed the F1 manufacturers will push for a 5-engine limit next year, the new rules provide continuity to the current regulations.
Despite the FOTA's wishes to ban KERS for the upcoming season, the FIA decided to legalize the unit next year, although not mandatory. Also, a driver will be entitled to only one gearbox per 4 races, any breaking of that rule also enforcing a grid penalty.
As for the things that changed, the list includes an increase in minimum car-plus-driver weight to 620 kg – that rule was mainly approved in relation with the KERS legalization – and no more Bernie Ecclestone lobbied medal system.
Although the aforementioned system was scrapped from the rule book this year and believed to make the F1 regulations in 2010, the FIA decided to scrap it.
As far as the qualifying session go, Q3 will be ran on low-fuel in 2010 in an effort to further reduce costs.
The FOTA also managed to convince the FIA to overturn the tire warmers ban for 2010, as such devices will be legal next year after all. Also, wind tunnel testing is limited to 60 % (or smaller) scale models, and tunnel speeds capped at 50 metres per second.
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