F1-Blog

Ok with less than a week to go till the first GP of the season, it seems the FIA have decided to play with some of the rules.

Tyres

When it was announced that the teams will all have to use both compounds of tyres that Bridgestone supply, it was generally accepted that they would be distinguishable from one another in the same way as they are in Champcars. That however was decided against, however the FIA have made a U-Turn decision and are now going to mark the tyres so commentators and watchers can distinguish the two compounds from one another.

This adds to the ‘exitment’ the FIA say, as one car may be better suited to one compound than another, it will also make working out when to switch tyres more strategic as the other teams can see what rubber you are on.

Safety Car

The rules governing the safety car etiquette has changed as well. It used to be that as soon as the safety car came out on track all the teams would dive in for fuel. This has now been closed off, in the even of a safety car the pits will remain closed, until it is deemed that all cars are lined up behind it. There will then be a message on the car/track that tells drivers and teams the pit lane is open. Teams will be given a 10 second penalty for pitting when the pits are closed.

There is also this rule, “any car being driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or which is deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers at any time whilst the safety car is deployed will be reported to the stewards”. So no change there then.

Also lapped cars will be allowed to overtake the safety car to catch up to the rear of the group.

Lights

A Medical Warning Light is now fitted to all cars, this will tell trackside teams that the car has been involved in high G-Forces, and will alert them to what types of medical attention the driver may require.