F1 approves 'faster cars' for 2017

May 15 (GMM) F1 on Friday confirmed that things are changing for 2017.

Earlier, media reports suggested that Thursday's meeting of the Strategy Group had resulted only in more dithering and indecision.

In fact, a raft of changes has been agreed, with the intention of pushing them through the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council.

In Friday's statement, issued jointly by the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone, it was said the need for change to address "the current challenges that F1 faces" had been recognised.

Most of the changes are for 2017, but already next year, teams will be given the choice to choose their own two compounds per grand prix weekend out of Pirelli's four-tyre range.

Barely 24 hours ago, Paul Hembery had said the idea - originally raised by Force India - was not workable.

"We make our tyre choices based on a lot of data," he said, "and looking at all the ten chassis.

"And we wouldn't want somebody else taking that out of our hands because you could end up having some safety issues," the Pirelli chief warned.

But F1's governing body, and F1 supremo Ecclestone, said the measure will in fact be introduced with the aim of "improving the show".

Voted in for 2017, meanwhile, are regulations for "faster cars" -- to be in the order of 5 to 6 seconds per lap quicker than today.

It will be achieved through aerodynamics, wider tyres and lighter cars, and the sensational reintroduction of in-race refuelling.

Turbo V6s are here to stay, but the cars will be louder as the rev limit is increased, while the cars will even look "more aggressive", the FIA said.

As for cutting costs, the statement said teams have been charged with putting forward proposals "in the next few weeks".