The FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved changes to the exhaust set-ups of Formula One cars to make engines louder in 2016.
One of the biggest criticisms of the V6 turbos engines since their introduction at the start of 2014 has been the lack of sound compared to its V8 predecessor. There have been investigations into improving the noise and last year Mercedes tested a "trumpet" exhaust but this is the first measure which has been implemented to directly tackle the issue.
The WMSC said: "For 2016, all cars must have a separate exhaust wastegate tailpipe through which all and only wastegate exhaust gases must pass. This measure has been undertaken to increase the noise of the cars and will not have any significant effect on power or emissions."
Other changes ratified by the WMSC include clarifications regarding drivers exceeding track limits during grand prix sessions.
"Sporting Regulations regarding track limits have been clarified and specify that drivers 'must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not deliberately leave the track without a justifiable reason'. Penalties will still be allocated based on whether a driver is judged to have gained an advantage."
The WMSC also approved a proposal from the F1 Commission regarding regulations for power unit and gearbox changes.
"Such penalties prior to qualifying will be applied based on the time of use. For changes made after qualifying, preference will be given to the driver whose team first informed the technical delegate that a change will occur."
Any driver who causes a start to be aborted, even if he can then start the extra formation lap, will be required to start from the pit lane. The same will apply to a restarted race where drivers have been brought into the pit lane.
Cars must now comply with all cockpit and safety equipment requirements during testing, such as the position of the driver's head, all headrest padding, cockpit padding and ease of driver egress. The WMSC also clarified windtunnel and CFD restrictions -- "specifically focusing on reporting and inspection processes for these development tools."
For 2017, on board cameras on stalks on the nose of cars will be prohibited.