F1 bosses propose new security measures for Brazilian Grand Prix

Formula 1 bosses have proposed new security measures following a series of dangerous incidents at this year's Brazilian Grand Prix.

The most serious case came when Mercedes personnel were robbed at gunpoint on a road leaving the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo.

Governing body the FIA has "strongly urged" the implementation of a new security system for next year's race.

It involves an independent security expert and better police communication.

The proposal, drafted at a meeting of F1's legislative body the FIA World Council, makes no mention of what might happen if the Brazil organisers fail to act.

The race is not listed as provisional on the 2018 calendar which has now been published.

An FIA statement said it "recommended that the promoter, who is responsible for the security of the event, retains an independent security expert to evaluate and advise on security plans, implements a police reporting hub at the circuit and improves overall communication between the promoter security, police and F1 stakeholders.

"The World Council strongly urged the promoter to implement these recommendations and improve the situation ahead of next year's event.

"The FIA will offer to participate in discussions with the local authorities and closely monitor the situation."

The US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, is still subject to confirmation by the national sporting authority. It is not immediately clear what the potential problem might be.

The season, which equals the record for the longest in history, sees the return of the French Grand Prix for the first time since 2008 and the German Grand Prix back after a year's absence.

The championship starts in Melbourne, Australia on 25 March, ends in Abu Dhabi on 25 November and the British Grand Prix is on 8 July.

There were also a series of minor rule changes,, external including a simplification of the system of penalties for using too many engine parts.

The system has been criticised for being overly complex, and from next year any driver who incurs a grid penalty of more than 15 places will simply be put to the back of the grid. If there is more than one at a given race, the drivers will be arranged in the order in which the offences were committed.

There was also a provision for a "change to the event timetable to increase flexibility". A spokesman said that instead of a prescribed time for the various practice sessions, there will be a window of time in which they can occur.

25 March: Australia

8 April: Bahrain

15 April: China

29 April: Azerbaijan

13 May: Spain

27 May: Monaco

10 June: Canada

24 June: France

1 July: Austria

8 July: Britain

22 July: Germany

29 July: Hungary

26 August: Belgium

2 September: Italy

16 September: Singapore

30 September: Russia

7 October: Japan

21 October: USA*

28 October: Mexico

11 November: Brazil

25 November: Abu Dhabi

*subject to confirmation