Eight engines per team in 2009, no more!

According to a clarification from Charlie Whiting, race director for the FIA, Friday’s free practice sessions during a race weekend will see the introduction of a new rule regarding the engine.

The 2009 regulations were drafted and the mandatory and consecutive use of engines has evolved. As everyone knows, each engine must now last at least three races.

The drivers and especially their cars will be limited to eight engines for the entire season but can use them as they wish.

In 2008 and before this season, the engine for two races did not apply on Friday. Now, for 17 races, each team will have its eight engines that must last for the three days of each Grand Prix, explained Whiting.

What can the teams do? The engine from the first four races of 2009 can then only be used for Friday or something of that nature. They can take another one for Saturday and Sunday, he added.

There was confusion as to whether, due to the current ‘Parc Fermé’, an engine used in qualifying could then be swapped with another for the race.

Whiting confirmed that there will be a penalty only when a car is fitted with a ninth engine.