Monaco (My Sportsbook) - Formula One teams and the sport's sanctioning body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), agreed to several cost-cutting measures for 2009 and beyond following Friday's meeting of its World Motor Sports Council in Monaco.

Among the changes for next season include limiting engine performance, banning testing and reducing staff.

The FIA said the cost of engines to independent teams will be one-half the amount next year compared to 2008. However, engine life doubles as each driver will use a maximum of eight engines for the season. Engine maximum revolution will be reduced to 18,000 rpm.

In 2010, all F1 teams will be able to obtain engines for less than five million euros ($6.67 million) per season, either from an existing manufacturer or from an independent supplier. The same engine will be used in 2011 and '12. All teams will also use the same transmission, beginning in 2011.

Testing will be banned during the 2009 season, except for scheduled practices during a race weekend.

Teams agreed to a reduction of manpower during race weekends by a number of measures, including the sharing of information on fuel and tires and eliminating the need for spotters.

Furthermore, factories must close for six weeks per year.

The FIA estimated the new measures for next year would save the manufacturer teams approximately 30 percent of their budgets compared to 2008, while the savings for independent teams would be even greater.

There will be a ban on refueling in 2010, possibly reducing the distance or duration of grand prix events. Tire warmers and mechanical purging of tires will also be banned that year.

The new Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), a mechanical system that collects energy during braking and converts it to give the car a slight power boost, will not be mandatory during the 2009 season. The FIA said, "the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is considering proposals for a standard KERS system in 2010." The FIA added they are awaiting their decision.

"Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers," the FIA also acknowledged. "Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known."

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone proposed last month a measure to replace the current point systems with Olympic-style medals to determine the sport's championship.