The FIA has published the 2012 F1 sporting regulations, providing details of the changes announced last month.
Governing body publishes 2012 sporting regulations
The FIA published its sporting regulations for the 2012 F1 season on Wednesday, providing details of the rule changes that were announced at its World Motorsport Council meeting in December.
The change forbidding drivers to return to the racing line after they had moved off it in order to defend their position attracted the most attention at the time, and the full regulations provide extra details on the ruling.
Article 20.3 reads: "More than one change of direction to defend a position is not permitted. Any driver moving back towards the racing line, having earlier defended his position off line, should leave at least one car width between his own car and the edge of the track on the approach to the corner."
While the new wording might make it clearer as to what movement is permitted by a car, it is likely that the distance of 'at least one car width' might come into question. However, stewards at least have more guidance with which to work.
There is also clarification regarding the rule that will allow backmarkers to unlap themselves during a safety car period. The rule has been put in place to allow for a cleaner fight for position at the resumption of the race, but will not come into play at all times.
Article 40.12 reads: "If the clerk of the course considers it safe to do so, and the message, 'LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE' is shown on the timing monitors, any cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the safety car.
"This will only apply to cars that were lapped at the time they crossed the Line at the end of the lap during which they crossed the first Safety Car line for the second time after the safety car was deployed.
"Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed, without overtaking, and take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.
"Whilst they are overtaking, and in order to ensure this may be carried out safely, the cars on the lead lap must always stay on the racing line unless deviating from it is unavoidable. If the clerk of the course considers track conditions are unsuitable for overtaking, the message 'OVERTAKING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED' will be shown on the timing monitors."
