FIA adds “safeguard clause” as coronavirus reaction method

The FIA has announced a safeguard clause has been added to its international sporting code amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Following its moves to allow greater and quicker sporting and technical regulation changes to its major championships the governing body has also added a new clause into its international sporting code which will cover all championships.

The clause will override the need for unanimous agreement between all competitors to change regulations, with any rule tweaks now only needing a majority backing.

It is believed the new clause will remain part of the FIA international sporting code during the coronavirus pandemic which has effectively halted all motorsport for the foreseeable future.

The code adjustment has enabled major championships like Formula 1, Formula E and the World Endurance Championship to push through key sporting and technical changes.

In F1, the major rules shake-up originally planned for 2021 has been pushed back to 2022, except for the cost cap, while Formula E has delayed its Gen2 Evo plans until the 2021-2022 season.

The changes also allow the respective sport organisers make quick alterations to race calendars in reaction to the coronavirus-enforced delays.

FIA international sporting code update

“18.2.4 Shorter notice periods than those mentioned above may be applied, provided that the unanimous agreement of all Competitors properly entered for the Championship, cup, trophy, challenge or series concerned is obtained.

“However, in exceptional circumstances, and if the FIA considers that the change in question is essential for the safeguarding of the Championship, cup, trophy, challenge or series concerned, the agreement of the majority of the Competitors properly entered shall suffice.”