No cover up at grands prix in 2003.

As well as establishing new rules to cover the likes of a revised qualifying procedure, the use of spare cars and the controversial parc ferme, the FIA has also moved to ensure that there is little pit-lane secrecy in a season when allegations of cheating could be rife.

The governing body has thus decreed that, from the beginning of Friday scrutineering onwards, 'no screen, cover or other obstruction which in any way obscures any part of a car will be allowed at any time in the garages, pit-lane or grid, unless we are satisfied that any such covers are needed solely for mechanical reasons, which could, for example, include protecting against fire.'

The FIA has also laid out clear guidelines in an attempt to avoid confusion, with the following covers expressly prohibited:

* engine, gearbox or radiator covers whilst engines are being changed or moved around the garage;

* covers over the spare wings when they are on a stand in the pit-lane not being used;

* parts such as spare floors, fuel rigs or tool trolleys may not be used as an obstruction.

Covers which are placed over damaged cars or components; a transparent tool tray, no more than 50mm deep, placed on top of the rear wing; warming or heat retaining covers for the engine and gearbox on the grid; a rear wing cover designed specifically to protect a mechanic starting the car from fire; and a cover over the car in the pit-lane or on the grid if it is raining will be permitted, however.