FIA considering changes to make pitstops safer
- Published on 24 Apr 2018 10:13
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- By: Rob Veenstra
F1 is considering some mandatory changes in a bid to make pitstops safer. So far in 2018, as sub three second tyre stops become the norm, there have been several incidents caused ostensibly by teams pushing the limits with techniques and technology.
The highest profile incident saw a Ferrari mechanic's leg badly broken, and F1 race director Charlie Whiting says the sport is looking into some counter-measures. "We can introduce some things to improve," he said, "to decrease the probability of errors."
Whiting is quoted by Brazil's Globo as saying F1 has "learned something" from looking into the incidents seen so far this year. "The challenge is to decide which tools need to be automated and which ones need to be operated by a human," he said. "I have a clear idea and I'll discuss this with the teams in the coming weeks."
Whiting played down fears that the FIA's response will be to "standardise" key elements of the pitstop process, which remains a highlight of the F1 show. "I don't think there's any reason to standardise the system," he said. "But we need to be sure that there's no way the guy can give the ok when certain conditions have not been met."
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Replies (10)
Login to replyRindtchamp
Posts: 304
'Considering changes'. Knowing the FIA's terrible track record with ideas, god knows what rubbish they'll come up with next..
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Just put everybody in a fucking cocoon of bubble wrap already...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
You my dear dane are onto something!
Bhurt
Posts: 320
The broken leg is quite easily avoided by simply not standing in the path of a race car during a race. The rest of them are simply non-factors. If teams release cars without wheels attached, that's their own fault. Not something the FIA should need to regulate against.
Ridiculous.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
True, but in a rush its an easy mistake to make. We dont get mistakes like this often, meaning current regulations probably work well enough, but it is nevertheless good that the FIA is at least reacting to it. Mind, they should be working on the unsafe releases first, thats a greater potential issue, methinks.
acmonkey
Posts: 5
+1 to BHURT
btw. How do I add the +1 ?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
On a computer you press the + button beneath the profile picture. I think you can do that too on a phone, if you first switch to desktop mode.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Here we go again. Another brilliant halo-like idea I suppose...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Considering and taking up to debate isnt a bad thing. But I dont think these particular rules need to change.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
i think its lawers talking.
they need to be seen to be doing something otherwise the next guy with a broken leg can sue and say they didn't do anything after the last incident.
the teams will solve the lose wheel issue themselves