FIA modifies technical directive TD015: steel skid blocks no longer mandatory after Barcelona tests. The FIA has revised its Technical Directive TD015 on skid blocks.

The much-criticized Technical Directive (TD015) on skid blocks has been adjusted by the FIA: the metal plates on the skid block will not change in Canada.

No steel skid blocks: the FIA has reversed its decision and modified the Technical Directive related to the F1 Canadian GP. The measure, designed to limit the outbreak of fires trackside, will no longer be mandatory. Teams will still be required to carry the new plates, in addition to the titanium ones, to be used only in case of obvious safety issues.
Everyone remembers the curious — and annoying — fires at the track edges in Japan and China. Small flames sparked by the sparks generated by the cars, which repeatedly forced the marshals to show the red flag. The International Federation has long worked to find a solution to the problem, focusing on the titanium skid blocks.

These are the metal plates placed on the skid block, responsible for the sparks that flash as the cars pass. The titanium shards they are made of tend to retain very high temperatures when projected trackside, igniting fires on dry grass. The FIA’s proposal, tested in Spain, was to use steel plates.

TD015: controversial skid block directive modified
Some teams immediately opposed this. First, the steel plates weigh about 750g more than the titanium ones. According to some insiders, these alternative skid blocks would also wear out faster, causing major headaches for teams regarding car setups. After tests conducted in Barcelona, the FIA reversed its decision.
The official statement reads: “After a thorough analysis of the tests carried out with stainless steel plates in Barcelona, the FIA has revised their implementation in TD015. Titanium will remain the reference, mandatory material for the rest of the season. However, teams are required to have steel plates available at every event.”

“These could become mandatory in case of trackside fires, as happened in Suzuka. Further test sessions with stainless steel plates will be conducted during the year to collect additional data.”