Low-fuel Q3 qualifying for 2010

The ban on refuelling during Grands Prix next year will mean a return to low-fuel running in the top-ten shootout for pole position during qualifying. The move is one of a number of changes confirmed by the FIA in the newly-published 2010 regulations.

With up to 13 teams expected to feature on the grid next season, the first Q1 phase of qualifying will see eight (rather than the current five) drivers eliminated after 20 minutes, with another eight ruled out at the end of the 15-minute Q2 phase, leaving ten to participate in Q3.

Minimum car weight has been raised by 15kg to 620kg, to give teams running KERS more flexibility in terms of weight distribution and set-up, and tyre warmers will still be legal, despite previous talk of the heated blankets being banned.

For full versions of the 2010 FIA regulations, click here ( http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/regulations/Pages/FIAFormulaOneWorldChampionship.aspx ) .
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