F1: Grid penalty system for 2018 season tweaked by FIA

Formula One's grid penalty for a change in Power Unit System has been revised for the 2018 season to clear the confusion regarding the formation of starting grid among the teams.

In 2017 season, drivers changing multiple power unit components earn numerous grid penalties. Many-a-times, the grid penalty exceeds the number of cars on the grid.

For the next season, a driver who has a penalty of more than 15 places will start from the back of the grid. The driver who changed fewer components would be ahead of his peer who has changed more parts.

Each driver has three power units available for the 2018 season. Till the 2017 season, the drivers could use up to four power units without attracting the grid penalty. The teams feared that the move would lead to an increase in the grid penalty as each power unit will have to shoulder the additional burden.

FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) issued a statement regarding the rule change in a meeting in Paris on Wednesday.

In addition to grid penalty rule system, WMSC has approved a host of changes to the F1 Sporting and Technical regulations for 2018.

A summary of all changes

Change in event timetable to increase flexibility.

Change in position of cameras and wing mirrors due to introduction of Halo.

Minimum volume and weight specifications for energy storage devices.

Testing of Previous cars should only take place on tracks holding an FIA Grade 1 or 1T license.

Events involving previous cars will not be termed as testing. The event should not exceed 50km in length and only tyres manufactured by the official supplier especially for this purpose to be used.

A detailed specification of oil to ensure that it can not be used as fuel.