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Will Sebastian Vettel and Red-Bull be as dominant in the 2014 season amid the radical changes in Formula One?
6. Driver Numbers
Race drivers will be allocated numbers that will be displayed on their helmets and in front of their cars. Every driver has been asked to choose their race number along with second and their third choice, between 2 and 99, while 1 will be reserved for the world champion should he want it. If more than one driver selects the same number, priority will be given on last year’s championship order.
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7. Penalty Points
Come 2014 and drivers will be penalised for pretty much everything. They will be given penalty points on their licence for breaking rules related to driving offences and will be banned for one race if they reach 12 points in 12 months. Drivers will be penalised for unsafe releases in the pit lane, unable to turn up at the FIA weigh bridge or changes to the car before it is brought on to the weigh bridge. There is also a restriction on the use of gearboxes and engines. Five engines can be used over the course of the season, reduced from eight in 2013. If a new engine, over and above the alloted quota, is used, the driver will start the race from pit lane, as opposed to the ten-place grid penalty handed down earlier.
8. Mid-Season Testing
2014 will also see the return of mid-season Testing. Four venues will host a two-day test following the races. The testing would be limited to regulations by FIA on the cars to be used(current, previous and historic) and the conditions under which they shall be tested. The end of season Young driver’s test, which was an opportunity for teams to test their rookie drivers, has been discarded.
9. Pole Position Trophy
The FIA has introduced a Pole Position Trophy that will be awarded to a driver who sets the most pole positions during the championship season. In case of a tie the holder of the greatest number of second places will be taken into consideration.
10. Double points at Abu Dhabi
The Final round at Abu Dhabi will be quite an interesting one. Drivers will be awarded double the points at the season finale. While the idea has come under a lot criticism it is bound to offer some excitement at the Yas Marina circuit more so if the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championship is on the line.
