F1 Drivers On Their Own During Race Starts.

Ferrari, F1, AGP. (C)

    Recently a meeting of the Formula One Strategy Group legislated some interesting regulations to come into effect from this year's Belgium GP. No longer are drivers to receive coaching from their teams through radio communications during the formation lap. They are now to be solely responsible for propelling the car off the grid from the time they leave the pitlane to lights out. 
    In the past teams have been able to instruct their drivers on optimum settings attained from practise starts during the formation lap with a view to maximising the race start. The new rule translates to clutch bite points to be set before the car leaves the pitlane. Any manual offset switch or any other switch associated with clutch settings can only be adjusted after the race start for the purpose of improving subsequent pitstop getaways. This quite clearly puts the emphasis back on the drivers. Are formation lap procedures now more important than ever? Reigning champ and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton welcomes the new plan, citing driver only activated starts suit his driving style and are reminiscent of his Formula 3 days. 
    In addition to coaching, all radio communications between the teams and the drivers during formation laps will be limited. The only permissible comms are on safety grounds only. Teams may inform drivers of punctures, whether to pit to fix damage. or to stop the car if sensing terminal damage. They may also warn of damage to a competitors' car, oil or debris on circuit, or whether the track is wet. 
    Many will argue that the abolition or limiting of driver aids can only benefit F1 by promoting driver skill. However there are those that state that the pinnacle of motorsport should fully embrace technology and all it has to offer. Will the new rules create glaring disparity amongst the grid when the lights go out? Will drivers with a more discreet feel now be rewarded off the line? We'll start to get an idea at Spa. Cheers....


              

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