F1 Drivers To Face Penalty Points Starting With The 2014 Season

F1 "is to introduce a penalty points system from next season" similar to that applied to road users in the U.K., according to the PA. Further amendments to the sporting regulations for '14 "see a return of in-season testing," which was banned from '09 as a way of saving costs. From next season teams "will be permitted to take part in four two-day tests at tracks in Europe and on a Tuesday and Wednesday after a grand prix." Other significant changes see each driver provided with one extra set of tires for use only during the initial 30 minutes of first practice, in order to encourage teams to take to the track at that time without having to worry about using valuable tire wear (PA, 6/28).