The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, has come out with some new rules for the 2014 Formula One season, in addition to those which will see teams switch to turbocharged V-6 engines. One of the most controversial is the awarding of double points for the winning team and driver of the final race on the 2014 F1 calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Organizers believe the move will help keep the championship alive until the end of the season.  

The new rules were announced by the FIA following a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission in Paris, France on Monday. Another controversial item is a five-second penalty for minor infringements.  

Then there is the decision to introduce a global cost cap in 2015, as well as a decision to set permanent race numbers for drivers. Drivers will be able to choose a race number from 2 through to 99, but will have to stick with it for the duration of their career. If more than one driver choses the same number, priority will be given to the driver who finished highest in the previous year’s championship.

Finally, tire suppliers, in this case only Pirelli, will be allowed to carry out a three-day test in Bahrain during December. All teams are allowed to participate in the test, and so far six have signed up: Ferrari, Force India, McLaren, Mercedes AMG, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso.

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.