FIA updates rules and regulations for 2010 Formula One season

Aside from the removal of the highly contentious budget cap, it was also confirmed that Bernie Ecclestone's proposed "medals" scoring system, where the Championship winner would be determined by the most number of race wins, has also been scrapped.

Another major change is a ban on refuelling during the race. This results in changes to the qualifying system, with cars to run on low fuel loads during the session. With an increase in grid size to 26 cars, up from the current 20, eight cars will be eliminated in the first and second qualifying sessions, an increase from five currently.

Testing during the season remains banned, with the only exceptions being eight straight-line tests and limited running on "promotional" tyres. Additionally, wind tunnel testing is limited to 60 per cent (or smaller) scale models, and tunnel speeds capped at 50 metres per second.

Some regulations remain in place though. Tyre-warmers, for one, are still allowed. Teams are also required to use only eight engines per driver, same as this year, as is the one gearbox per four races rule.

Finally, the maximum weight limit for cars, inclusive of driver, has been increased to 620kg, and the KERS energy recovery system will also be allowed, despite the teams all agreeing not to use the technology for next season.