FORMULA One’s governing body approved rule changes today designed to increase overtaking and promote closer racing in Formula One as part of an ongoing initiative to win back fans.

From next year, F1 aerodynamics will be simplified. Cars will have a front wing with a larger span, simplified brake ducts and a wider rear wing.

FIA said the changes approved at its World Motor Sport Council meeting yesterday followed “an intense period of research” that led to a majority electronic vote from the F1 teams.