PARIS -- Formula One's governing body announced a series of cost-cutting measures on Friday, including longer-lasting engines, limits on expensive testing and cheaper, off-the-shelf engines for smaller teams.
The sweeping changes, which the FIA said were unanimously backed by Formula One teams, come as automakers are reeling from the global financial crisis. Honda announced this month that it is pulling out of F1 and Super Aguri quit in April.
The FIA said the first batch of changes for the 2009 season will help the larger teams cut costs by about one third over 2008.
"Savings for independent teams will be even greater," the motor sports body said in a statement.
The FIA said its World Motor Sport Council agreed Friday at a meeting in Monaco to the measures. For 2009, they include:
• A doubling of engine life, with each driver limited to a maximum of eight engines over the season. Each engine must now be used for at least three races, compared to the previous two. Teams will also be allowed four engines for testing. Engines will be limited to 18,000 revolutions per minute.
• Cheaper engines for independent teams, costing about half as much as in 2008.
• During the season, teams will only be able to test their cars at Grand Prix weekends during scheduled practices.
• Limits on the use of wind tunnels.
• Team's factories to close for six weeks per year.
• Reduced manpower for teams during race weekends.
Changes to be introduced after next season will be even more radical. Races could be shortened to save money and refueling will be banned -- which could dramatically alter the spectacle for fans.
Although details have yet to be worked out, the measure was prompted by the heavy cost of transporting large equipment such as refueling rigs. Experts believe this will force more overtaking in races, although it is unclear exactly what the impact on strategy will be.
