The FIA has implemented temporary gravel traps and AI technology to deal with track limit violations during the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Last year’s race at the Red Bull Ring witnessed a staggering 1200 potential track limit infringements, prompting the FIA to take action. To alleviate the concerns of the drivers, a 2.5-meter-wide gravel trap has been added to turns 9 and 10 of the Austrian GP circuit. Additionally, the outer curb of turn 4 has been narrowed to reduce the margin of error before encountering the gravel.
According to FIA F1 Race Director Niels Wittich, these changes will provide the drivers with a clear understanding of the track limits. The drivers will receive feedback and be able to perceive when they are approaching the gravel. If a wheel makes contact with the gravel, it will result in a penalty due to the decrease in speed. This serves as a natural deterrent, which has been the main request of the drivers. Similar measures have been implemented at the Shanghai circuit, resulting in positive feedback from the drivers.
The adjustments to the curbs of turn 4 were made by repositioning the white line, ensuring that the distance to the gravel is now 1.8 meters. This modification eliminates any ambiguity regarding the track limits, even for lower-level racing series such as F3. Additionally, the white lines at turns 1, 3, and 6 have been relocated to maintain the same 1.8-meter distance to the gravel.
A partially automated artificial intelligence (AI) system, which has been tested since Abu Dhabi last year, will be used in conjunction with the FIA’s Remote Operations Center to detect cases where cars exceed track limits throughout the Austrian GP weekend.
To facilitate the identification of when a car exceeds the track limits, usually defined by a white line that blends with the white elements of the curb, a light blue line has been introduced to increase the accuracy of the system.
“We changed the white line on the curb and added a light blue line behind it to make it easier for the marshals, the Remote Operations Center (ROC) personnel, and the Race Control to determine if a driver has exceeded the limits. This clear visual distinction is achieved by having the white line, the light blue line, and the black tire,” explained Wittich.
“We had the same blue lines in Barcelona, specifically in turns 5, 9, 12, and 13. As I mentioned before, the goal is to simplify the identification of whether a tire is off the track or not. The light blue line will help us distinguish if a driver is off the track or not.”
Wittich also mentioned that the effectiveness of implementing gravel traps will be evaluated to determine if they can be used in other circuits in the Formula 1 Calendar of 2024. The FIA race director highlighted the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, as a potential candidate.
“For example, in Austin, at the exit of turn 19, there is a very wide run-off area, and at the exit of turn 12, there is a wide asphalt run-off area,” he stated.
“We have analyzed all the circuits to identify areas where improvements can be made.”
To address safety concerns for other racing series, especially MotoGP, where a narrow gravel trap poses a safety risk for two-wheeled prototype motorcycles, the gravel tracks in turns 9 and 10 are temporary and can be easily replaced with asphalt in time for the Grand Prix motorcycle races at the Red Bull Ring in August.
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Football fans around the world are excited about the latest news on the transfer market. It seems that the richest football club in the world is about to make a surprising move to sign one of the best players of the moment.
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