14 Dec 2010

F1 imposes curfew on hard working mechanics

12:23 pm on 14 December 2010

Fatigued Formula One mechanics will be spared regular all-night shifts after the sport's governing body inserted a "curfew" in new rules just made public for next season.

The first races of this year's championship saw some of the new teams working around the clock to get their cars ready in time, and next season will be the longest ever with a record 20 races.

So the FIA has decided that team personnel "associated in any way with the operation of the cars" will be barred from the circuit for two six-hour periods before the start of practice on Friday and Saturday.

The governing body has also toughened up regulations to encourage fair play on the track.