FIA to clarify F1 Safety Car rules
The FIA is seeking to close a loophole in its safety car rules in the wake of Michael Schumacher's overtaking manoeuvre on Fernando Alonso in the closing stages of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix. Motorsport's governing body has admitted a "lack of clarity" in its rules and announced on Thursday that it will amend the relevant regulations at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on June 23.
New rule
But a new rule introduced this season permits drivers to overtake between the 'safety car line' - usually cited just before the final corner - and the start-finish line once the safety car has peeled into the pits.
However, that rule becomes obsolete if the safety car pulls in on the final lap.
"The problems identified during the final lap of the Monaco Grand Prix...showed a lack of clarity in the application of the rule prohibiting overtaking behind the safety car," read an FIA statement.
"Adjustments to the regulations are necessary to clarify the procedure that cars must meet when the last lap is controlled by the safety car whilst also ensuring that the signalling for teams and drivers is made more clear.
"These adjustments will help to avoid the problem which occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix from happening in the future.
"The Formula One Commission, upon a proposal of the F1 Sporting Working Group will submit an amendment to the Sporting Regulations to address this issue. These amendments will be considered by the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in Geneva on June 23."
Source: FIA to clarify F1 Safety Car rules
New rule
But a new rule introduced this season permits drivers to overtake between the 'safety car line' - usually cited just before the final corner - and the start-finish line once the safety car has peeled into the pits.
However, that rule becomes obsolete if the safety car pulls in on the final lap.
"The problems identified during the final lap of the Monaco Grand Prix...showed a lack of clarity in the application of the rule prohibiting overtaking behind the safety car," read an FIA statement.
"Adjustments to the regulations are necessary to clarify the procedure that cars must meet when the last lap is controlled by the safety car whilst also ensuring that the signalling for teams and drivers is made more clear.
"These adjustments will help to avoid the problem which occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix from happening in the future.
"The Formula One Commission, upon a proposal of the F1 Sporting Working Group will submit an amendment to the Sporting Regulations to address this issue. These amendments will be considered by the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in Geneva on June 23."
Source: FIA to clarify F1 Safety Car rules
