F1 "approved changes to its power unit penalty system" with immediate effect on Friday and also tweaked super-license rules for '16 to give more drivers a chance to enter the sport from other series, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. FIA said in a statement that it had "approved rule adjustments previously proposed by the Strategy Group and approved by the sport's F1 Commission." The simplification of power unit penalties will mean the maximum sanction a driver will face from now on is to be "sent to the back of the starting grid." The FIA meeting also agreed that McLaren drivers will be "allowed an extra fifth unit for the season because Honda are new manufacturers." The FIA said that the changes were also "aimed at increasing flexibility for drivers who have qualified for a Super Licence but do not have the opportunity to race" in F1. Formula E Champion Nelson Piquet, Jr. will also be given an F1 Super Licence, even though the series "remains outside the points system" (REUTERS, 7/11).
SCRAPPING IDEAS: In Sydney, Mark Fogarty wrote V8 Supercars is "looking at scrapping its controversial pre-season test next year" as part of a move to a shorter season with races run closer together. The proposed compacted calendar would start with the Adelaide 500 in early March and finish at the Sydney 500 in November, with the two-day test in February "replaced by a gala season launch." As well as getting rid of the preseason test, V8 officials will "consider relaxing or even removing restrictions on in-season testing by the teams" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/11).
