FIA unveils steward system reform for 2009

Nov.5 (GMM) 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 grands 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.

In 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.

A further iteration of the 2009 calendar was also published on Wednesday, with two main features -- a much earlier date (19 April) for the Chinese grand prix, and no reprieve for the still missing Canadian grand prix.