Formula One teams aren’t the only ones lifting covers off things this week. News has just come through from the FIA announcing a totally revised points structure for the 2010 season as well as new tyre regulations that will affect qualifying strategy. Further to that, the double diffusers that worked so well for Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing last year will be outlawed from the sport from 2011.

First, to the new points regime—instead of the first eight drivers scoring points, from this season the first 10 drivers across the line will be awarded points. The winning driver will now see a seven point gap back to second place, replacing the previous meagre two point advantage from previous years. The full tally goes like this; 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. The FIA says this measure should “further encourage the race to win” approach.

The first of two new tyre regulations will limit teams to 11 sets of dry weather tyres, down from the previous cap of 14 sets.

Adding further intrigue to tyre use is a new rule that will force drivers from quali 3 to start the race on the same tyres they used in final qualifying.

From 2011 the height of the rear diffusers will be reduced from 175mm to 125mm. The Formula One Commission also came to an agreement with relevant stakeholders to exclude double diffusers from next year’s championship.

[Source: FIA]