70 REPLIES TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FIA April 2002 Edition

1. WHAT IS FORMULA ONE?

2. HOW ARE THESE REGULATIONS MADE?

3. WHAT IS THE CURRENT FORMULA ONE?

4. ON WHAT CRITERIA ARE THE FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS BASED?

5. WHO ORGANISES THE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?

6. HOW FAR BACK DOES FORMULA ONE GO? P.1

7.WHAT IS THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE (FIA) AND WHY WAS IT CREATED?

8. WHAT IS A GRAND PRIX?

9. HOW IS THE WORLD CHAMPION TITLE AWARDED?

10. WHAT IS THE SCALE OF POINTS?

11. HOW MANY GRANDS PRIX ARE HELD EVERY YEAR?

12. IS THE GRAND PRIX TIMETABLE ALWAYS THE SAME?

13. CAN ANY CIRCUIT HOST A GRAND PRIX?

14. WHAT IS A GRADE 1 CIRCUIT?

15. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE “CONSTRUCTOR” OF A FORMULA ONE CAR?

16. WHAT CRITERIA MUST A CAR CONSTRUCTOR MEET TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE?

17. DOES EACH CONSTRUCTOR HAVE TO COMPETE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

18. CAN ANY DRIVER COMPETE IN A GRAND PRIX?

19. ARE THE TEAMS ALLOWED TO CHANGE DRIVER DURING THE SEASON?

20. DO THE DRIVERS KEEP THE SAME RACE NUMBER THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

21. IS THE NUMBER OF LAPS DURING THE PRACTICE SESSIONS FREE?

22. HOW DO DRIVERS QUALIFY FOR A RACE?

23. WHAT IS THE WARM-UP?

24. CAN THE DRIVERS CHANGE CARS DURING THE EVENT?

25. HOW IS THE STARTING GRID ARRANGED?

26. DO THE CONSTRUCTORS DESIGN SPECIAL CARS FOR THE QUALIFYING SESSION?

27. HOW LONG DOES A GRAND PRIX LAST?

28. DOES A GRAND PRIX ALWAYS START, RAIN OR SHINE?

29. HOW POWERFUL ARE FORMULA ONE ENGINES?

30. WHAT SPEEDS DO FORMULA ONE CARS REACH?

31. ARE THE CARS CURRENTLY USED FASTER THAN THE CARS OF THE "TURBO" ERA?

32. CAN A FORMULA ONE CAR RACE WITHOUT SUSPENSION?

33. WHY DO THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE CARS TO HAVE FLAT LOWER SURFACES ?

34. ARE FORMULA ONE CARS FITTED WITH A STARTER?

35. DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE AUTOMATIC GEARBOXES?

36. HOW MANY GEAR RATIOS DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE?

37. DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE BETTER BRAKES THAN SERIES PRODUCED CARS?

38. IS A SPECIAL TYPE OF FUEL USED IN FORMULA ONE?

39. HOW MANY TYRES ARE PERMITTED PER CAR AT EACH GRAND PRIX?

40. HOW IS THE TYPE OF RUBBER SELECTED?

41. ARE THE CARS CHECKED DURING THE EVENT?

42. HOW ARE THE FUEL CHECKS CARRIED OUT?

43. ARE SUCH THINGS AS ABS BRAKES, STABILITY CONTROL OR FOUR WHEEL STEERING ALLOWED IN FORMULA ONE?

44. BUT THESE ARE COMMONPLACE ON ROAD CARS?

45. HOW CAN THE FIA CHECK? HOW CAN PROHIBITED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS BE DETECTED?

46. WHAT ROLE DOES THE TECHNICAL DELEGATE PLAY?

47. WHO ARE THE STEWARDS AND WHAT ARE THEIR POWERS?

48. WHAT TYPES OF SANCTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED?

49. WHAT IS A "TIME PENALTY"?

50. ARE THE STEWARDS' DECISIONS FINAL?

51. WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL?

52. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE CLERK OF THE COURSE AND THE RACE DIRECTOR?

53. HOW IS THE RACE STARTED?

54. HOW ARE FALSE STARTS DETECTED?

55. WHAT HAPPENS IF A DRIVER STALLS ON THE STARTING GRID?

56. WHAT PROCEDURE IS FOLLOWED IF MORE THAN ONE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO START OF THE FORMATION LAP?

57. ARE THERE SPECIAL STARTING PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF RAIN?

58. CAN THE RACE BE STOPPED?

59. WHAT PROCEDURES APPLY WHEN THE RACE IS STOPPED?

60. IS THE RACE STOPPED IN CASE OF RAIN?

61. WHEN IS THE SAFETY CAR USED?

62. WHAT IS THE SAFETY CAR PROCEDURE?

63. DO THE LAPS COVERED BEHIND THE SAFETY CAR COUNT?

64. MAY A CAR STOP AT ITS PIT WHILST THE SAFETY CAR IS ON THE TRACK?

65. IS REFUELLING ALLOWED DURING THE RACE?

66. ARE THERE ANY SPEED LIMITS?

67. IN WHAT CONDITIONS ARE THE CARS WEIGHED?

68. WHAT ARE THE FLAG SIGNALS?

69. DOES THE CHEQUERED FLAG ALWAYS SIGNAL THE FINISH?

70. IS PRIVATE TESTING ON CIRCUITS PERMITTED?

70 REPLIES TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

1. WHAT IS FORMULA ONE?

In addition to being a brand name known all over the world, it is a set of technical regulations

for single-seater racing cars, which is published annually by the FIA. The regulations specify

maximum and minimum dimensions, engine capacity, what is permitted technically and what

is not permitted and, perhaps most important of all, a large number of safety measures to be

incorporated in the car with a view to protecting the driver. A car built to these regulations is a

Formula One car. Formula 3 and Formula 3000 are also FIA Formulae, but each has lower

performance than Formula One.

2. HOW ARE THESE REGULATIONS MADE?

The FIA has a Formula One Technical Working Group on which the technical director of

each team sits. This makes recommendations to the FIA Formula One Commission on which

the teams, race promoters, engine manufacturers, sponsors, tyre manufacturers and, of

course, the FIA are represented. Decisions of the Formula One Commission then go to the

FIA World Motor Sport Council and ultimately the FIA General Assembly for approval.

3. WHAT IS THE CURRENT FORMULA ONE?

In addition to a large number of regulations governing chassis design, the current formula

restricts the cylinder capacity of the engine to 3 litres, prohibits supercharging and stipulates

a minimum total weight of 600 kg, including the weight of the driver and his race equipment.

4. ON WHAT CRITERIA ARE THE FORMULA ONE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS BASED?

They address two main concerns:

• controlling speed, in the interests of safety, whilst at the same time preserving the

technological excellence of Formula One;

• Safety in the event of an accident.

This is why there are restrictions on cylinder capacity, fuel, tyre dimensions, the minimum

weight and width of the car, as well as on the dimensions and positioning of the aerodynamic

devices and on electronic driving aids.

Moreover, there are stipulations relating to the strength of the chassis, the protective rollbars,

leak-resistant fuel tanks, fire extinguishers, harnesses, as well as head and neck protection.

The positions of the fuel and oil tanks are specified and they must have special protection.

Cockpit dimensions are also regulated.

All engines must be reciprocating four strokes with ten cylinders, none of which may be oval.

It is obligatory for each car to have four wheels, only two of which are steered or driven.

5. WHO ORGANISES THE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP?

The FIA is the world governing body of motor sport and, as such, regulates and administers

the Formula One World Championship, as well as all other international motor sport. The

Formula One World Championship was created in 1950 and is the oldest of the FIA

Championships. It also has the greatest media impact. It is estimated that the seventeen

Grands Prix of the 2001 season attracted over 54 billion television viewers, from 200

countries whilst the printed press maintained a significant presence, with an average of 600

journalists and photographers from 54 countries travelling from all over the world to cover the

17 events of the championship.

6. HOW FAR BACK DOES FORMULA ONE GO?

There were no formulae in the early era of the motor car from 1894 (the year of the first

motor race in history, from Paris to Rouen) to 1900. The existing vehicles were simply raced.

A distinction was made between the racing cars on the basis of their method of propulsion

(petrol or steam), and number of seats. At that time, cars always had at least two seats, and

it was not until the end of the 1920s that single-seater cars were used. The invention of the

rear-view mirror made an important contribution to this development, since one of the

mechanic's tasks was to warn the driver that someone was trying to overtake him. From

1907 to 1939, almost every possible formula was tried. Minimum weight, maximum weight,

consumption and bore were each restricted in turn, but the formula most frequently used,

even after 1939, was to limit the cylinder capacity of the engines. This restriction was first

introduced in 1914.

Following the introduction of the first "formula" in 1904 by the FIA (which restricted maximum

weight), categories were created for the smaller cars, but the name "Formula One" did not

appear until 1948. The first Formula One race was at Pau on 29 March 1948 and was won

by a Maserati. The FIA Formula One World Championship was created in 1950, and the first

Formula One World Championship race was the British Grand Prix, at Silverstone on 13 May

1950.

7. WHAT IS THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE (FIA) AND WHY WAS IT CREATED?

In the early years, it was virtually impossible to organise international races, since there were

no common regulations. The most influential automobile clubs of the time therefore decided

to create an international organisation, which would draw up common regulations, applicable

to all international races. This led to the birth of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile

(the FIA) in 1904. After that competitors could be sure that the same rules would apply

wherever they were racing. One of its first tasks was to formulate rules to improve the safety

of racing drivers and spectators, and to guide motor sport in a direction which would benefit

the development of road cars, thus setting a pattern which has been repeated throughout the

long history of motor sport.

8. WHAT IS A GRAND PRIX?

The first race to be given the title "Grand Prix" was held at Le Mans in 1906. It was restricted

to "big cars”. From then on, the term Grand Prix became associated with major circuit races

for cars. Top events, which were the equivalent of today's Grands Prix, were called "Grandes

Epreuves". However, the FIA was opposed to the general usage of the "Grand Prix" title,

which it wished to reserve for events counting towards its Formula One World Championship.

Henceforth, it was prohibited to use the Grand Prix title for an event which did not count

towards this Championship, except for very rare cases with historic justification, such as the

Grand Prix de Pau, or the Grand Prix of Macao, both of which are now Formula 3 events.

9. HOW IS THE WORLD CHAMPION TITLE AWARDED?

There are two titles, one for the Drivers’ World Championship and one for the Constructors’

Championship. The drivers' title has been awarded since 1950, and the constructors' since

1958. The constructors add together all the points scored in every race by each car of their

make (they cannot enter more than two). Drivers accumulate the total number of points

scored in each event.

If two drivers have the same number of points, the title is decided on the basis of the quality

of the places obtained, that is, the number of first places, followed by the number of second

places, etc.

10. WHAT IS THE SCALE OF POINTS?

The scale of points awarded to the first six finishers in each race has been modified on two

occasions, the most recent of which was in 1991; the first now receives 10 points (previously

nine, and only eight between 1950 and 1960), and the next five finishers are awarded: 6 - 4 -

3 - 2 - 1 points respectively. Until 1959 the driver who recorded the fastest lap was given 1

point.

11. HOW MANY GRANDS PRIX ARE HELD EVERY YEAR?

The 1950 Championship consisted of only 7 Grands Prix. This figure gradually increased,

peaking at 17 in 1977. It was then limited to 16, but the possibility of holding a maximum of

17 events was reintroduced in 1996.

A minimum of eight events must take place for the World Champion Drivers' and

Constructors' titles to be awarded. More than 600 Formula One World Championship races

have been held since 1950.

12. IS THE GRAND PRIX TIMETABLE ALWAYS THE SAME?

Yes, except the actual race which is usually but not invariably at 14.00 local time. Otherwise

the schedule is always:

Friday*: Free practice from 11.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 14.00

Saturday: Free practice from 09.00 to 09.45 and from 10.15 to 11.00

Qualifying practice from 13.00 to 14.00

Sunday: Warm-up (30 minutes): 4 hours 30 minutes before the start of the race

(*) Thursday for the Monaco Grand Prix

13. CAN ANY CIRCUIT HOST A GRAND PRIX?

No. Originally, a Grand Prix could be held anywhere, but increases in car performance have

forced the FIA to impose stringent conditions on the layout, width and length of a circuit, as

well as its surface, safety provisions and facilities. Only FIA Grade 1 circuits can now host a

Formula One race.

14. WHAT IS A GRADE 1 CIRCUIT?

Each circuit must be homologated by the FIA following a series of inspections. The

homologation criteria are less strict for circuits hosting events for slower formulae which hold

Grades from 2 to 5. In addition to the initial procedure, the circuits frequently have to carry

out maintenance work or update their facilities so that their homologation may be renewed. In

the past, with the exception of the Monaco Grand Prix, which is the only Formula One event

to take place within a town itself, circuits tended to be very fast with long straights. Increases

in the car performance have meant that these straights have had to give way to series of

bends, in order to prevent excessive speeds. Similarly, very long tracks, like the old

Nürburgring (22.835 km), had to be abandoned, since the costs involved in providing the

safety facilities and personnel required by the regulations together with the technical facilities

necessary for television broadcasting were too great. Monaco is now the shortest circuit

(3.370 km), whilst Spa is the longest (6.947 km).

15. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE “CONSTRUCTOR” OF A FORMULA ONE CAR?

A Formula One constructor is the chassis manufacturer. This is often not the same as the

engine manufacturer. In the event of winning the Constructors' World Championship, the title

is awarded to the chassis manufacturer.

16. WHAT CRITERIA MUST A CAR CONSTRUCTOR MEET TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE?

A constructor who wishes to enter the Formula One World Championship must submit his

entry to the FIA, and provide evidence that he both designs and makes the chassis of his car

and that he has sufficient technical and financial resources to take part in the Championship.

The number of teams is now limited to 12, each with 2 cars.

17. DOES EACH CONSTRUCTOR HAVE TO COMPETE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

Yes. Any constructor who fails to turn up at an event may be fined several hundred thousand

dollars. A constructor may not join the championship during the season.

18. CAN ANY DRIVER COMPETE IN A GRAND PRIX?

No. In order to be able to take part in a Grand Prix, a driver must hold a “Super Licence”,

which is awarded by the FIA on the basis of his past record in junior formulae and of his

having a valid contract with a Formula One team which has entered the World

Championship.

19. ARE THE TEAMS ALLOWED TO CHANGE DRIVER DURING THE SEASON?

Yes, each team may change the driver of its first car once in the season. For the second car,

a maximum of three drivers may take turns, without restriction, during any one season. This

excludes cases of exceptional circumstances, which are considered separately. Notification

of a change of driver must be made before 16:00 on the Thursday (Wednesday for Monaco)

of the Grand Prix. After that deadline, a driver change may only take place with the consent

of the stewards.

20. DO THE DRIVERS KEEP THE SAME RACE NUMBER THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

Yes, provided they stay with the same team, as the numbers are attributed to the

constructors, not the drivers. The only exception is the reigning World Champion, who is

always allocated number 1 (even if he changes team), and his team mate who is given

number 2.

21. IS THE NUMBER OF LAPS DURING THE PRACTICE SESSIONS FREE?

For qualifying practice only, a maximum of 12 laps is allowed and any driver running over the

maximum of 12 laps will have all his qualifying times cancelled. However, at the discretion of

the Stewards, he may be allowed to start the race from the back of the grid.

22. HOW DO DRIVERS QUALIFY FOR A RACE?

Qualifying practice is on Saturday, from 1 pm to 2 pm. In order to qualify for the race, a driver

must set a time within 107% of the fastest time.

23. WHAT IS THE WARM-UP?

The warm-up is a free practice session which takes place on the morning of the race and

lasts for half an hour. Only drivers who have qualified may take part. It begins four and a half

hours before the start of the race.The warm-up enables the teams to check the cars in their

race configuration.

24. CAN THE DRIVERS CHANGE CARS DURING THE EVENT?

Each two-car team may use a maximum of two cars during free practice, and a maximum of

three cars for qualifying practice, provided that all the cars have been checked by the

Scrutineers and are of the same make (chassis and engine).

However, no change of car is permitted after the 15 seconds signal preceding the start of the

formation lap.

Nevertheless, if the race has to be stopped before two laps have been completed by the

leader, the starting procedure is repeated and starts again from the T-15 point (see 60

below). Once again car changes are permitted until the 15 seconds signal which precedes

the start of the new formation lap.

25. HOW IS THE STARTING GRID ARRANGED?

The starting grid consists of two cars per row in staggered formation, with an interval of eight

metres between each row. The driver who set the fastest time will start from the front in the

so-called "pole position", and the others will line up on the grid in the order of the times they

have achieved. In the event of a tie, the driver who achieved the time first is given priority.

26. DO THE CONSTRUCTORS DESIGN SPECIAL CARS FOR THE QUALIFYING SESSION?

Special cars as such are not built for qualifying, but special engines, special set-ups and

significant modifications are made for qualifying practice.

27. HOW LONG DOES A GRAND PRIX LAST?

The distance of a Grand Prix is the least number of laps which exceeds 305 km, but no race

may last for more than two hours. On certain slower circuits (such as Monaco), in the event

of rain, the Clerk of the Course is sometimes obliged to stop the race after two hours.

28. DOES A GRAND PRIX ALWAYS START, RAIN OR SHINE?

Yes, a Formula One Grand Prix takes place in all weather conditions, and the tyre

manufacturers have developed special treaded tyres, which help to avoid the risk of

aquaplaning. Nevertheless, the Race Director has the power to delay the start or to stop the

race, if this becomes necessary for safety reasons. Apart from grip, the greatest problem in

the event of rain is visibility, which is significantly reduced due to the spray thrown up by the

cars' tyres. In order to help counteract this problem, the cars are equipped with a flashing red

light at the rear which must be illuminated at all times when the car is running on wet-weather

tyres.

29. HOW POWERFUL ARE FORMULA ONE ENGINES?

Even though the constructors never divulge exact details of their engine power, the

maximum is known to approach 900 horsepower in some cases. Manufacturers of engines

claim that maximum power is not always the most important factor. Having power available at

lower engine speeds is often of equal importance, especially in slow corners.

30. WHAT SPEEDS DO FORMULA ONE CARS REACH?

The Grand Prix with the highest average speed in history was the 1971 Italian Grand Prix,

won by Peter Gethin in a BRM at an average speed of 242.615 kph (150.754 mph) on the

Monza circuit which at the time did not have any chicanes (interestingly, a recent computer

simulation suggested that current Formula One cars would achieve an average speed of well

over 300 kph - 190 mph - on the original circuit). In 2001, the fastest Grand Prix was the

Italian Grand Prix, won by Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams) at an average of 239.103 kph

(148.571 mph). The highest straight line speed recorded during a Grand Prix in the 2001

season was set by Jean Alesi (Jordan), at 363.2 kph (225.7mph), during the Italian Grand

Prix.

31. ARE THE CARS CURRENTLY USED FASTER THAN THE CARS OF THE "TURBO" ERA?

If a 1.5-litre turbocharged car were produced today, as was the case up until 1988, it would

be faster than the contemporary 3-litre cars. However, contemporary cars benefit from

significant technological progress, allowing them to exceed the speeds of the 1988

turbocharged models, despite the fact that these were able to rely on over 1200 horsepower

in qualifying.

32. CAN A FORMULA ONE CAR RACE WITHOUT SUSPENSION?

No. The regulations stipulate genuine suspension. For example, the fitting of rubber blocks is

not sufficient. However, the current cars have very little suspension travel, in order to restrict

changes in trim which would influence the effectiveness of the aerodynamic devices.

33. WHY DO THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE CARS TO HAVE FLAT LOWER SURFACES?

It became evident that significant downforce could be achieved by fitting inverted aeroplane

wings underneath the car. In order to reduce downforce (the so-called "ground effect"), and

thus reduce cornering speed, the FIA made it obligatory for each car to have a flat lower

surface between the rear wheel centre line and the rear of the front wheels. The constructors

have nevertheless managed to optimise the behaviour of the aerofoils and aerodynamic

extractors situated behind the gear box, to such an extent that a current Formula One car is

capable of sustaining lateral accelerations of up to 5G, whereas a good road car achieves

about 1G.

34. ARE FORMULA ONE CARS FITTED WITH A STARTER?

Starters have not been obligatory for several years and teams do not fit them in order to save

weight. They are permitted to use a portable starter in front of their pits and on the starting

grid, but if a driver stalls on the circuit during the race, he has to retire, even if the car restarts

once the marshals have pushed it away from a dangerous position. However, all cars are

fitted with sophisticated electronically controlled anti-stall systems.

35. DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE AUTOMATIC GEARBOXES?

Yes, in most cases.

36. HOW MANY GEAR RATIOS DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE?

The rapid changes possible with automatic and semi-automatic gearboxes mean that most

transmissions are fitted with seven gears, the maximum permitted by the Technical

Regulations. A reverse gear is also compulsory. It may not be used in the pit-lane.

37. DO FORMULA ONE CARS HAVE BETTER BRAKES THAN SERIES PRODUCED CARS?

The brakes on series-produced cars are derived from the disc brakes which were first used

in racing. All Formula One cars are equipped with brakes with callipers made from light alloy

while the discs and pads tend to be made from synthetic materials, e.g. carbon. Their

resistance to heat is much greater than that of series-produced brakes (which is why, in

certain conditions, the insides of the wheels appear completely incandescent) and they

weigh significantly less. Their braking power is very high: at the end of a straight, at

maximum speed (around 340 kph - 212.5 mph), a Formula One car can brake at less than

100 metres in order to take a slow corner.

38. IS A SPECIAL TYPE OF FUEL USED IN FORMULA ONE?

In general, the fuel used by Formula One cars is not yet available from petrol pumps.

However, the oil companies are now developing fuels for Formula One which could be

commercialised, and which probably will be in the future. Thus Formula One serves as a

laboratory, which will ultimately be of benefit to the ordinary motor car (see also question 42).

Unleaded very low sulphur ("green") fuel is used which already complies with the EC

standards which will come into force in 2005 for everyday use.

39. HOW MANY TYRES ARE PERMITTED PER CAR AT EACH GRAND PRIX?

The regulations stipulate that each driver may use a maximum of 40 dry-weather tyres (12 of

which may not be used after the first day of practice) and 28 wet-weather tyres throughout

the duration of the event. Moreover, each driver may use a maximum of two rubber

specifications for his dry-weather tyres during free practice, but he must then choose the

rubber specification he wishes to use for the rest of the event before the start of qualifying

practice. Every single tyre used at a Grand Prix incorporates an FIA-supplied bar-code so

that the scrutineers can check that no driver exceeds the maximum number of tyres allowed.

40. HOW IS THE TYPE OF RUBBER SELECTED?

A hard or softer type of rubber is selected on the basis of the driver's style, the design of the

car, the atmospheric temperature and the lay-out of the circuit. In general, the slower the

circuit and the cooler the temperature, the softer the rubber, allowing greater grip. On the

other hand, high speeds, together with a highly abrasive track wear the tyres down more

quickly. The team and the driver must therefore strike a balance between various options, i.e.

whether to mount harder tyres which may grip less well but permit fewer pit-stops, or whether

to use softer tyres which will have to be changed several times during the race. A judicious

choice sometimes enables one of the slower cars to win a Grand Prix. Tyre changes have

become a part of the Formula One racing, and the better trained teams usually manage to

change all four tyres and refuel in the space of 5 to 10 seconds, depending on the quantity of

fuel they want to put in the tank.

41. ARE THE CARS CHECKED DURING THE EVENT?

The day before practice begins, the scrutineers carry out a tour of the garages, checking that

all the cars comply with the regulations. In addition to this, spot checks are carried out and all

the cars, which finish the race, are checked in the parc fermé once they have crossed the

finish line. Any car which does not comply with the technical regulations is normally

excluded. However, the final decision rests with the Stewards.

42. HOW ARE THE FUEL CHECKS CARRIED OUT?

At the start of the season, each team entered in the Championship must provide a sample of

10 litres of each petrol it wishes to use. Each sample is analysed by a specialised laboratory,

to check that it is in conformity with the Technical Regulations and is a genuine commercial

fuel (see also question 38).

If the sample is approved, a so-called "fingerprint" of the fuel is taken by the FIA. At the

events, the FIA Technical Delegate, takes samples of petrol from cars during the practice

sessions or after the race. Using gas chromatography and a device for measuring the density

of the fuel, these samples are analysed immediately, to check that their fingerprints are

identical to those previously approved by the FIA.

A team may change the petrol it uses several times during the season, but it must have

submitted a sample to the FIA and receive approval in each case.

43. ARE SUCH THINGS AS ABS BRAKES, STABILITY CONTROL OR FOUR WHEEL STEERING ALLOWED IN FORMULA ONE?

No, as a general rule driving aids of this kind are prohibited.

44. BUT THESE ARE COMMONPLACE ON ROAD CARS?

Yes, but Formula One is a contest between drivers. Although the cars are built to the

extremes of technology, it is felt the drivers should exploit them with minimal aid from onboard

computers. Otherwise much of the skill of the drivers would become unnecessary and

the sport would lose its human aspect.

45. HOW CAN THE FIA CHECK? HOW CAN PROHIBITED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS BE DETECTED?

As all electronic control of braking, steering and suspension is now prohibited this is now

done largely by inspection of hardware, as opposed to the examination of control software

which was carried out previously. The FIA however continues to monitor software where

appropriate.

46. WHAT ROLE DOES THE TECHNICAL DELEGATE PLAY?

The FIA Technical Delegate is the "policeman" and heads the team of scrutineers

responsible for checking that the cars comply with the Technical Regulations. If he finds that

a car does not comply, he submits a report to the Stewards, but does not have the power to

disqualify or penalise a car himself.

47. WHO ARE THE STEWARDS AND WHAT ARE THEIR POWERS?

The three Stewards are the judges, or the referees, of an event. They examine the reports

submitted by the various officials and, once they have heard the explanations and defence of

all the parties concerned, decide on any sanctions. In order to ensure sporting equity, the

Stewards vary from one event to another; two of them are nominated by the FIA and the third

by the National Sporting Authority of the country in which the event takes place. The

Stewards appointed by the FIA are of a different nationality from the country of the event.

They may impose the sanctions set out in the International Sporting Code and, if they deem

it necessary, they may request that a team or driver be summoned before the World Motor

Sport Council.

48. WHAT TYPES OF SANCTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED?

The sanctions set out in the International Sporting Code range from a reprimand to a life ban,

and include fines, exclusion, suspension for one or more races, and even the withdrawal of

Championship points. Stewards can also impose a time penalty, including cancelling times

set in qualifying. A new penalty consisting in moving back 10 places on the starting grid from

his actual qualifying position at the following Grand Prix, may also be imposed on a driver

who was responsible for an incident.

49. WHAT IS A "TIME PENALTY"?

During the race the Stewards may impose one of two time penalties on a driver, a “drive

through” or a ten second “stop-and-go”. In the first case the driver must enter the pits and

drive straight through and out on to the track again; in the second, stop and remain in his pit

for ten seconds. Such penalties result in a greater loss of time, because of the time taken to

return to the pit and to leave it again. Depending on the circuit, this can result in a total time

loss of up to 40 seconds.

If the time penalty is imposed during the last five laps of a race, 25 seconds will be added to

the race time of the driver concerned, who does not then enter the pits.

50. ARE THE STEWARDS' DECISIONS FINAL?

Time penalties are, of course, final, but otherwise, a competitor who feels that he has been

unfairly penalised by a Stewards' decision may appeal against this decision before the FIA

International Court of Appeal. He must declare his intention to do so within one hour of being

notified of the Stewards' decision. Similarly, the FIA has the right to refer a decision of the

Stewards to the International Court of Appeal, if it believes that the Stewards have misjudged

or inappropriately penalised the matter.

51. WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL?

It is the final and highest recourse in motor sport, and is, in a way, the Fédération

Internationale de l'Automobile's very own "Supreme Court”. The International Court of Appeal

is independent of the Sport, and its fifteen members, each have a three-year mandate. They

are elected by the FIA General Assembly from amongst eminent judges and lawyers (some

of whom are Supreme Court judges in their own country). At least three judges must be

present, none of whom may be of the same nationality as any of the parties.

52. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE CLERK OF THE COURSE AND THE RACE DIRECTOR?

The Clerk of the Course, who is nominated by the National Sporting Authority, is responsible

for the co-ordination of the officials and track marshals at the Grand Prix. The Clerk of the

Course works closely with, and under the authority of, the Race Director, who is nominated

by the FIA. The same Race Director officiates at all the Grands Prix in the Championship.

The Race Director currently also acts as Safety Delegate and Official Starter. It is normally

the Clerk of the Course who waves the traditional chequered flag at the end of the race.

53. HOW IS THE RACE STARTED?

  Half an hour before the start of the formation lap, the cars may leave the pit lane. The

drivers may cover more than one lap if they wish, but to do this they must pass through

the pit lane at greatly reduced speed. They come to a standstill on the starting grid with

their engines stopped.

  Fifteen minutes before the start, the pit lane exit is closed and any driver who is not yet on

the track has to start from the pit lane exit, after all the other competitors have gone past

at the start of the race.

  Five minutes before the start, access to the grid is closed and any driver who is delayed

on the circuit has to start from the pit lane exit. His vacant position is not filled on the grid.

  One minute before the start, engines are started.

Fifteen seconds before the start, all mechanics must have left the grid.

  When the green lights come on, the drivers begin the formation lap. When they come

back to the grid, they keep their engines running.

  Once all the cars have come to a halt in their starting positions, the starter activates the

automatic pre-programmed final start procedure: five lights turn red one after the other at

one-second intervals until all five lights are lit. The start signal is the extinction of all the

lights at once. This occurs between 0.2 and 3 seconds after the last red light has been lit.

This lapse of time is pre-programmed by the starter at each race, but kept secret.

If a driver is delayed during the formation lap and cannot reach the grid and stop before the

last light is illuminated, he must start from the pit lane.

Any car which is temporarily delayed during the formation lap can regain its position provided

it does so before the "pole position" car has taken up its position on the grid (see question 55

below).

54. HOW ARE FALSE STARTS DETECTED?

Each position on the grid is equipped with electronic sensors. These transmit a signal to a

central unit located in the control tower if any car moves before the start signal has been

given. The Stewards will usually inflict a time penalty on a driver who jumps the start.

55. WHAT HAPPENS IF A DRIVER STALLS ON THE STARTING GRID?

There are three distinct scenarios:

  If a driver stalls whilst the green lights are on (indicating the start of the formation lap), his

mechanics are allowed to push the car to start it as soon as all the competitors have left

the grid. He is not permitted to overtake during the formation lap and must start from the

back of the grid. However, a driver who has difficulty starting his car but who manages to

leave before the last car has crossed the start/finish line is allowed to overtake during the

formation lap and take up his original position on the grid.

If he does not manage to start his car within 30 seconds after the green light, his car will

be pushed into the pitlane and may start from there.

  If a driver stalls on the grid after completion of the formation lap, but before the race has

started (i.e. before all the lights are extinguished), he must raise his arm to notify the

starter, who aborts the start and turns on flashing yellow lights. The procedure begins

again from the "5-minute" board. In order to compensate for the additional formation lap,

the race is reduced by one lap. The driver responsible for the false start must then start

from the back of the grid.

  If a driver stalls after the race has started, so that it is too late for the starting procedure to

be interrupted, the marshals will push his car to the pit lane once all the competitors have

left the grid. If the driver is then able to start his engine, he may rejoin the race. Otherwise,

he is pushed back to his pit where his mechanics will take over.

56. WHAT PROCEDURE IS FOLLOWED IF MORE THAN ONE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO START OF THE FORMATION LAP?

If more than one driver is stationary and unable to start the formation lap when the remaining

cars have crossed the line (normally as a result of mechanical problems or a stalled engine),

they must all start from the back of the grid (provided, of course, their mechanics are able to

rectify the problem in time) in the order they left to start their formation lap.

57. ARE THERE SPECIAL STARTING PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF RAIN?

In the event of rain, the regulations provide for different possibilities, depending on the

circumstances:

  If the rain is such that, in the opinion of the Race Director, it would be dangerous to start

the race with the normal procedure, it is possible to start behind the Safety Car. In this

case, the revolving yellow lights on the Safety Car, which is positioned at the front of the

starting grid, are switched on no later than the one-minute signal. This indicates to the

drivers that the race will be started behind the Safety Car. After the green light, the Safety

Car leaves the grid followed by all the other cars. The race is deemed to have started and

there is no formation lap. Until the Safety Car has returned to the pit lane (see 62),

overtaking is only permitted in order to pass a car which remainson the grid, or in order to

retain a grid position (provided the overtaking car left the grid before the last car crossed

the Line).

  If it starts to rain after the 5-minute signal but before the start of the race, the procedure

may be interrupted and recommenced at the 15-minute point.

  If the start of the race is imminent and a particularly heavy shower begins, and the volume

of water on the track is such that it cannot be negotiated safely, the procedure may be

interrupted by the Race Director, who will order a "10" board with a red background to be

shown. This indicates that the start has been aborted and that there will be a delay of at

least 10 minutes before the procedure is resumed.

If weather conditions have improved at the end of the ten-minute period, a "10" board with

a green background will be shown, indicating that the start of the formation lap will be

given 10 minutes later.

If however, the weather conditions have not improved within ten minutes, the "10" board

with the red background is shown again, indicating a further delay of ten minutes. This

procedure may be repeated several times, but it is not necessary to wait for the end of the

10 minutes to show the green board.

58. CAN THE RACE BE STOPPED?

Yes, the FIA Race Director may interrupt the race at any time in the interests of safety, or if

the circuit is blocked. This is done by ordering red flags to be shown around the entire the

track.

59. WHAT PROCEDURES APPLY WHEN THE RACE IS STOPPED?

In the event of this happening, there are three possibilities, depending on the number of laps

completed by the race leader:

A. Less than two laps completed;

B. Two or more laps completed, but less than 75% of the total distance of the race;

C. 75% or more of the total race distance completed.

In case A, typically when a major accident occurs during the start and blocks the circuit, the

first start is considered null and void and a new start is given twenty minutes later. In case B,

the race is considered to be in two parts. Provided safety conditions permit, there is a second

start twenty minutes later, with the grid determined by the classification of the penultimate lap

before the signal to stop the race (red flag) was given. If a second start cannot be given, the

classification of the race will be that of the penultimate lap preceding the signal to stop the

race and only half the points will be awarded.

In case C, the race will be considered as finished, and full points will be awarded on the

basis of the classification of the penultimate lap preceding the signal to stop the race.

60. IS THE RACE STOPPED IN CASE OF RAIN?

No, normally the race is not stopped if it starts to rain. It is up to the drivers and teams to

decide whether they want to stop at their pit to change tyres or continue with the dry-weather

tyres.

However, if the conditions are such that driving at racing speed would constitute a serious

danger, the Race Director may order the use of the Safety Car (in which case the normal

Safety Car procedure would apply - see 57 above and 62 to 64 below). If the conditions are

so extreme that to carry on driving would be dangerous even behind the Safety Car, the race

would be stopped.

61. WHEN IS THE SAFETY CAR USED?

The purpose of the Safety Car is to neutralise the race in the event of an accident or other

incident which exposes competitors or officials to immediate physical danger. It may also be

used in the event of a very heavy and sudden shower (see 57 above). The Safety Car slows

the racing cars so that they do not endanger emergency teams working on or near the track,

and are not at risk from slow moving vehicles, such as ambulances.

62. WHAT IS THE SAFETY CAR PROCEDURE?

The Clerk of the Course (under the direction of the FIA Race Director) dispatches the Safety

Car. When the Safety Car is in use, and as soon as it leaves the pit lane, a waved yellow flag

together with the "SC" board is shown at all the track marshals' posts. Overtaking is

prohibited, the cars must reduce their speed and line up behind the Safety Car in the order

they were on the track when the signal was shown. Once the cars are lined up behind the

Safety Car in race order and as soon as circuit (or weather) conditions permit, it will

extinguish its revolving lights and return to the pit lane to indicate that the race will start again

when the cars next cross the line.

63. DO THE LAPS COVERED BEHIND THE SAFETY CAR COUNT?

Yes, all the laps covered behind the Safety Car count as part of the total race distance.

64. MAY A CAR STOP AT ITS PIT WHILST THE SAFETY CAR IS ON THE TRACK?

Yes, but it may only rejoin the track when the green light is on in the pit lane. It will be on at

all times except when the Safety Car and the line of cars following it are about to pass or are

passing the pit exit.

A car rejoining the track must proceed at reduced speed until it reaches the end of the line of

cars behind the Safety Car. It may not overtake.

Thus, a car which makes a pit stop in such circumstances will lose its position and rejoin the

race at the back of the field, (but not necessarily in last place since there might be cars in the

field which are one or more laps behind the car which made the pit stop).

65. IS REFUELLING ALLOWED DURING THE RACE?

Yes, but it must be carried out with the refuelling equipment specified by the FIA. The system

is based on aviation equipment and complies with all the other safety requirements laid down

by the FIA. Refuelling is not obligatory.

66. ARE THERE ANY SPEED LIMITS?

Strange though it may seem, yes, but only in the pit lane, where the speed limit is 60 kph

(37.5 mph) during practice and 80 kph (50 mph) during the race (except Monaco – 60 kph at

all times).

Electronic devices check the speed of the cars along the whole of the pit lane. If a competitor

exceeds the limit during the race, he is usually penalised with a time penalty (see 49 above);

during practice, he is usually fined US$250 for each kph over the limit. However,

as in everyday life, the severity of the punishment is proportional to the seriousness of the

offence, and also takes repeat offences into account.

To avoid this, all the teams have equipped their cars with speed limiters which the driver

activates (usually by pressing a button on the steering wheel) as soon as he enters the pit

lane.

67. IN WHAT CONDITIONS ARE THE CARS WEIGHED?

The Scrutineers may weigh the cars at any time, to make sure that they never weigh less

than 600 kg, including driver. A weighing device is located at the entrance to the pit lane to

enable these checks to be carried out. During qualifying practice, a computer programme

selects at random the cars which are to be checked. When a car is chosen, a red light comes

on and the driver returning to his pit must proceed to the weighing area. If the weight of the

car is less than the minimum required by the Technical Regulations, the driver could be

excluded from the event, but he has the right to request that the car be weighed a second

time. To avoid cheating, any car which breaks down on the circuit also has to pass in front of

the computer which decides whether the car must be weighed in the same conditions. At the

end of the race, all the cars are directed to the parc fermé where they are weighed; the

drivers are also weighed before proceeding to the podium or to their motorhome. An underweight

car will usually be excluded from the classification.

68. WHAT ARE THE FLAG SIGNALS?

In addition to the red flag, "stopping the race", and the chequered flag, "end of the race",

there are other flags, each having a specific meaning.

The blue flag during the race tells a driver he is about to be lapped and to let the other car

overtake, on pain of a time penalty for obstruction.

The yellow flag indicates danger, and overtaking is prohibited. One waved yellow flag means

slow down; two waved at the same post means slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

The green flag indicates the end of the danger and the ban on overtaking.

A flag with vertical red and yellow stripes warns the competitors that the track is slippery

(usually oil), and a black flag with an orange disc accompanied by the number of a car warns

the driver that his car has a mechanical problem and that he must go to his pit.

A flag with a white triangle and a black triangle accompanied by the number of a car is a

warning for unsporting behaviour.

The black flag, accompanied by the number of a car, summons the driver of such car to

immediately return to his pit. This procedure is mostly used to notify a competitor of his

exclusion from the race.

69. DOES THE CHEQUERED FLAG ALWAYS SIGNAL THE FINISH?

Yes, even if the chequered flag is waved too early, the race still ends when this signal is

given. However, if the flag is waved too late the classification is that obtained at the end of

the scheduled number of laps. Only cars which have covered 90% of the distance will be

classified.

A driver does not necessarily have still to be on the track to be classified, but if a car takes

more than twice as long to complete its last lap as the fastest lap time achieved by the

winner, this lap will not be taken into account.

70. IS PRIVATE TESTING ON CIRCUITS PERMITTED?

Yes, provided it is carried out on a circuit which the FIA has approved for Formula One use

(see 14 above).