Monaco : Formula One drivers will be bound by stricter speed limits while driving behind safety cars in double yellow flag zones in a bid to improve safety, governing body FIA said Wednesday.
The new measures apply to driving behind both safety cars and virtual safety cars being deployed and will begin at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix
The decision was made following research and reviews of previous incidents and in consultation with the teams and drivers, FIA added in a statement.
Previously, drivers where required only to significantly reduce their speed and not overtake in zones where, for example, debris was blocking the track or where marshals were stood nearby.
The FIA’s technical director Tim Goss said things will become easier on track for both drivers and track workers.
Drivers will not be taken by surprise since they will receive both visual and audible warnings when approaching a double yellow flag zone. Delta requirements will be reset to zero at the start of a double yellow flag zone, making it easier to follow the new speed limit.
The FIA did not say what the new speed limit will be but head of electronics Olivier Hulot is confident the new measures will work smoothly.
