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Experienced ex-Formula 1 drivers will be part of the stewards' panel from the start of the 2010 grand prix season.

The FIA World Motor Sport Council ratified plans to overhaul judicial procedures today, with four stewards now sitting at each grand prix rather than the current three.

These will be made up of those drawn from a smaller permanent group of F1 stewards and ex-drivers, along with one steward representing the National Sporting Authority holding the grand prix.

The non-voting chairman, a role filled up to now by Alan Donnelly, will no longer be involved in the process, with the four stewards electing their own chairman at each race. Donnelly had played a major part in recommending improvements to the stewarding system over the past two years.

Stewards will be allowed to use video and radio resources to help make quick and accurate decisions.

The FIA will continue to observe and train stewards according to guidelines agreed in 2008, and is confident that a process of constant review will continue to improve stewarding standards.

"The current observer programme for F1 stewards will continue, and training, distribution of decisions, and an annual meeting will be encouraged to raise the quality of decisions in this permanent group," said an FIA World Motor Sport Council statement.