Zoom Stewards' decisions will be better justified to the public

Following a number of controversial decisions in 2008, F1's governing body on Wednesday announced some changes to the stewarding system.

In 2009, short written explanations of stewards' decisions will be published on the FIA's public website, it was decided in a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

"Film evidence" of the incident, which may not have been included in the broadcast coverage of the Grand Prix in question, will also be posted on the FIA and official F1 websites.

Short CVs of each steward, meanwhile, will be posted on the FIA website prior to Grand Prix.

The FIA also addressed suggestions that former drivers should be made F1 stewards, insisting that "no former driver is excluded" from going through the normal processes to gain the necessary super license.

Amongst other World Council decisions, the FIA ratified FOTA's proposal that engine life be extended from the current two races to three races in 2009.

The following from the FIA press release provides further details on the revised stewards' procedures:

During the 2008 season a review took place of the stewarding arrangements in F1. The current panel of stewards consists of two international stewards and one national steward, all of whom must be eligible for the FIA's super licence. For 2009, the following updates will be made:

Any national steward participating who is officiating for the first time will be required to 'observe' a minimum of one Grand Prix prior to their event.

At five Grand Prix in 2009, a number of trainee Stewards, nominated by their ASN and selected by the FIA, will be invited to attend.

Before each Grand Prix, a short CV of each steward will be posted on the FIA website.

With the benefit of a new replay system available to the stewards, all incidents will be investigated and appropriate action taken during the race, unless it is essential to seek further evidence afterwards.

Following the race, a short written explanation of steward's decisions will be published on the FIA website. This will supplement the formal steward's decision which largely defines the breach of the rules.

Where appropriate, additional film evidence that the public may not have seen but which was reviewed by the stewards, will be made available on both the FIA and FOM websites.

Note: No former driver is excluded from seeking their ASN national stewarding licence and then, as with all of the existing stewards, if they gain the necessary level of experience in stewarding events at a national, regional and international level the FIA can consider them for a steward's super licence.

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM