Earlier today, the FIA sent a document to Formula 3 drivers ahead of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in order to inform them about what they are and are not allowed to do. The governing body issued also sent this document to Formula 1 teams and drivers before the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year.
The ‘Driving Standards Guidelines’ were given out ahead of the first race of the 2022 championship as a result of a formal request made by grand prix drivers as they wanted hi have a better understanding of what key aspects stewards evaluate and analyse when it came to judging on incidents and giving penalties for on track battles.
The FIA explained: “For avoidance of doubt, these are merely guidelines to assist the stewards in their decision making and are non-binding. All stewards` decisions will be made pursuant to the FIA International Sporting Code read in conjunction with all relevant regulations applicable to Formula 1.” – the statement read.
The document explains what drivers are and are not allowed to do when it comes to overtaking a rival.
For overtaking on the inside of a corner
In order for a car being overtaken to be required to give sufficient room to an overtaking car, the overtaking car needs to have a significant portion of the car alongside the car being overtaken and the overtaking manoeuvre must be done in a safe and controlled manner, while enabling the car to clearly remain within the limits of the track.
When considering what is a ‘significant portion’ for an overtaking on the inside of a corner, among the various factors that will be looked at by the stewards when exercising their discretion, the stewards will consider if the overtaking car’s front tyres are alongside the other car by no later than the apex of the corner.
For overtaking outside of a corner
In order for a car being overtaken to be required to give sufficient room to an overtaking car, the overtaking car needs to have a significant portion of the car alongside the car being overtaken and the overtaking manoeuvre must be done in a safe and controlled manner, while enabling the car to clearly remain within the limits of the track.
When considering what is a ‘significant portion’, for an overtaking on the outside of a corner, among the various factors that will be looked at by the stewards when exercising their discretion, the stewards will consider if the overtaking car is ahead of the other car from the apex of the corner. The car being overtaken must be capable of making the corner while remaining within the limits of the track.
In reference to chicanes and S-bends
The above guidelines would apply similarly for each corner.
As has been previously reported, the guidelines also confirmed that the FIA are imposing a strict enforcement of track limits, of impeding, and how it is responsibility of a driver to ‘clearly give back’ any advantage gained when leaving the track.
Leave a Reply