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FIA Introduces New Circuit Map to Minimize Safety Car Interventions

The FIA has implemented a new circuit map starting from the Japanese Grand Prix, aiming to limit the frequency of safety car deployments when Formula 1 drivers need to leave their vehicles on the track, as reported by Autosport.

Following an in-depth review of safety car usage throughout the 2024 season, the FIA discovered numerous occurrences where the presence of a safety car could have been avoided. Many incidents arose from cars being left in locations that could facilitate their recovery without activating a safety vehicle. In retrospect, these situations might have been resolved with either yellow flags or a Virtual Safety Car, negating the need for full safety car procedures.

To address these concerns, the FIA has added the revised circuit map to its event notes, which are shared with all F1 teams prior to each race weekend. This map made its debut during the Chinese Grand Prix and is now included in the official documentation for this weekend’s event in Japan.

The FIA has already been emphasizing optimal stopping locations during drivers’ briefings in case of minor technical issues, guiding teams on the safest places for cars to stop along the track.

Purpose of the New Circuit Map

The initiative aims to ensure quick recovery operations and minimize disruptions, allowing sessions to resume promptly. This is particularly crucial during practice sessions, as quicker recoveries mean teams can return their cars to the garage sooner.

Marked along the circuit, certain areas are indicated with fluorescent orange paint on the barriers, signifying where cars can be pushed clear of the track without excessive delay.

In addition to providing guidance on whether vehicles should stop on the left or right side of the track in emergencies, the new map features exclamation marks to highlight optimal stopping areas. These locations possess adequate gaps in the barriers and sufficient marshals for a swift recovery process, which could potentially eliminate the necessity for a safety car altogether.

Integration with Team Software

Further developments are also on the horizon, with plans to incorporate this critical recovery information into the software used by teams on the pit wall. Autosport has reported that updates to the necessary software will be rolled out in the upcoming races, enhancing teams’ real-time decision-making capabilities.

Source
www.autosport.com