Revisions to the Formula One super licence rules will make it harder for drivers who have not participated in Formula Two to take part in practice sessions.

From the 2018 F1 season new free practice super licences will only be issued to drivers who have done either six Formula Two events or gathered 25 superlicence points during the previous three years.

Previously drivers needed only to “successfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations” to qualify for a free practice licence.

Also from next year drivers will only be issued a second or further free practice super licence if they have completed an entire F2 season or scored 25 superlicence points.

The FIA has already revised and expanded the superlicence points system for 2018.

Changes to article 5.2.4 of Appendix L to the International Sporting Code

New 2018 text a) The first time he applies for a Free Practice Only Super Licence, the driver must have completed six events of the FIA Formula Two Championship or have accumulated at least 25 points, during the previous three-year period. In addition, the driver must successfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.

b) For all successive Free Practice Only Super Licence requests, the driver must have completed a full season of the FIA Formula Two Championship, or have accumulated at least 25 points, during the previous three-year period. In addition, the F1 team concerned has to certify, through the F1 Super Licence application form, that they have held a briefing with their driver about the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations Old 2017 text a) The first time he applies for a Free Practice Only Super Licence, the driver must successfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.

b) For all successive Free Practice Only Super Licence requests, the F1 team concerned has to certify, through the F1 Super Licence application form, that they have held a briefng with their driver about the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.

2018 F1 season