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F1 revises radio ban after team talks

SINGAPORE - Formula 1's governing FIA has postponed the bulk of a ban on radio and pit board messages until 2015 after deciding the 2014 Singapore GP was too early for teams to adapt to the new restrictions.

In September 2014, teams were told that any talk over the radio or via a pit board relating to the "performance of the car or driver" would be considered a contravention of Article 20.1 of the sporting regulations and result in punishment.

On Friday (Sept 19), hours before first practice at the floodlit Marina Bay Street Circuit for the 2014 Singapore GP, the FIA announced it had revised the plans.

GIVE TEAMS MORE TIME

The FIA said: "Messages concerning a driver's own performance will not be allowed, but the expected ban on those relating to car performance will now be postponed until 2015 to give teams more time to prepare."

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone told reporters on Thursday (Sept 18) he had been behind the original decision and wanted less talk on the radio during races. He also suggested more restrictions should be introduced in future.

Ecclestone said: "They drive the cars, they should know what is wrong or right. They don't need someone on the pit wall telling them what to do."

The FIA said they had met with the 11 team managers and opted to delay the bulk of changes until 2015 "due to the complexity of introducing such a ban at short notice and the potential for significantly differing effects between teams."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 Singapore GP this weekend.
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