It's less than two weeks until the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne, Australia. Pitpass.com has a useful overview of the 2004 season rules, the major changes are in Friday testing, longer life engines (a driver has to use the same engine for practise, race and qualifying), drive through penalties to be abolished, and some restriction of electronic capabilities (no auto gear changes or launch control).

The new rules could upset the apple cart a little, but not substantially, don't expect Minardi or Jordan to run away with the constructors title!