Valencia, Spain - Formula One will not allow refuelling during Grand Prix races next year as part of new sporting and technical regulations published by FIA for the 2010 season.

It will mean larger fuel tanks and a return to low-fuel running in qualification for pole position, according to the changes published ahead of the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

With up to 13 teams and 26 cars expected on the grid next season, eight drivers rather than the current five will be eliminated after the first qualifying phase, with another eight going out in the second phase, leaving 10 to participate in Q3.

Th weight of the cars has been increased from 15 kilograms to 620kg to give teams using the Kers energy recovery system more flexibility.

It has been decided to retain the current point system in which the driver with the highest points tally at the end of the season is world champion.

F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone had suggested changing the points system to award the championship to the driver with most wins. (dpa)