Refuelling returns to Formula 1

Faster and more aggressive looking cars are to raise the image of Formula One racing over the next years along with more freedom in tyre choices and the return of refuelling, the ruling body FIA said on Friday.

The FIA said that the F1 strategy group made the decisions at a meeting the previous day in Biggin Hill, Britain, aimed at "improving the show."

From next year onwards teams can chose two out four different tyre types for a race weekend.

Refuelling during races will return in 2017 after a seven-year absence, along with pledged faster lap times, "higher revving engines and increased noise" plus "more aggressive looks."

Engine changes introduced last year have dropped the noise level of the sport which has been almost completely dominated by the Mercedes team while others such as Caterham went bankrupt among dwindling race attendance and television viewership.

Also to be looked into is the format of race weekends and the FIA also said a "proposal to ensure the sustainability of the sport" is to be finalised over the next weeks.