FIA further tightens track limits for Belgian Grand Prix

F1 News

27 August 2020 at 11:51
Last update 27 August 2020 at 11:51
  • GPblog.com

The Formula 1 drivers received a warning about the track limits at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. As soon as drivers in qualifying or free practice exceed these track limits, their time will be removed. In the race, they will receive a black and white flag at the third time and after that, the 'offence' will be filed with the stewards for a penalty.

Three main points

Michael Masi, race director, has informed the drivers what this Grand Prix weekend will focus on in terms of track limits, Motorsportweek.com writes. There will be three points on the track in the Belgian Ardennes and the first one will be for cutting corner four (Raidillon). The second track limit applies at the exit of turn nine, after Rivage.

The third point that will be closely monitored is when drivers go wide at the exit of the Bus Stop chicane. As already mentioned, it will lead to the removal of the lap time before the Grand Prix and during the Grand Prix it will result in a warning. After three violations, the stewards will intervene.

Three times combined

This time it's not about three times per turn, but in its totality. The drivers therefore have little margin for offences in this area, because it can only go wrong three times if they don't want to get a penalty. Excluded from a warning or penalty is if drivers are forced outside by other cars or if this is necessary to prevent collisions.

Masi: "On the third occasion of a driver cutting behind the kerb at Turn 4, Turn 9 - exit and Turn 19- exit during the race, he will be shown a black and white flag, any further cutting will then be reported to the stewards."

"For the avoidance of doubt this means a total of three occasions combined not three at each corner", said the race director.