The refuelling ban and likely tyre-change rules could make F1 racing thrilling – but only if Bridgestone places altruism above commercial suicide

Now that we've consigned 2009 to history, it's time to consider the Formula 1 we are likely to have in 2010, in particular the shape of the races under the new no-refuelling regulations. These rules will give us a fundamentally different strategic battle to what we've become familiar with over the last decade and a half.

Although we're still awaiting final confirmation, it's likely that a minimum of two tyre changes will be stipulated. But because there will be no refuelling, the car rejoining the race after a stop will be quicker – courtesy of its fresh, pre-warmed tyres – than before the stop. It will no longer be slowed by an increased fuel load.

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