Since the introduction of longer life engines in Formula 1, a driver has been automatically imposed a 10-place grid penalty for an engine swap during practice sessions, or has been moved to the back of the grid if he has needed a new power unit after the start of qualifying.
But following discussions in last week's F1 team principals' meeting in Paris, it was agreed that the first engine change of the season should now no longer result in a punishment.
A letter sent by FIA president Max Mosley to teams confirms in writing that team principals supported the rule tweak.
"It was agreed that each team could have one engine failure per car without penalty during the 2008 season," wrote Mosley. "This would be the first engine failure suffered by each car."
But following discussions in last week's F1 team principals' meeting in Paris, it was agreed that the first engine change of the season should now no longer result in a punishment.
A letter sent by FIA president Max Mosley to teams confirms in writing that team principals supported the rule tweak.
"It was agreed that each team could have one engine failure per car without penalty during the 2008 season," wrote Mosley. "This would be the first engine failure suffered by each car."