Drivers given new track limits restrictions for turn four at Interlagos

Formula 1 drivers have been advised of new restrictions governing how track limits will be enforced at turn four ahead of today’s qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The stewards will delete any lap time achieved by a driver who runs wide at the corner. Any driver that exceeds track limits at that corner on three occasions during Sunday’s race will be shown the black and white flag. Further infringement will result in them being reported to the stewards.

Drivers were also reminded to adhere to article 27.3 of the Sporting Regulations, part of which states: “Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with it and, for the avoidance of doubt, any white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not.”

The full guidance to drivers is as follows:

“A lap time achieved during any practice session or the race by leaving the track on the exit of turn four, will result in that lap time being invalidated by the stewards.

“Each time any car fails to negotiate turn four exit by using the track, teams will be informed via the official messaging system.

“On the third occasion of a driver failing to negotiate turn four exit by using the track during the race, he will be shown a black and white flag, any further cutting will then be reported to the stewards. For the avoidance of doubt this means a total of three occasions combined not three at each corner.

“The driver must only re-join the track when it is safe to do so and without gaining a lasting advantage.

“The above requirements will not automatically apply to any driver who is judged to have been forced off the track, each such case will be judged individually.

“Drivers are reminded of the provisions of Article 27.3 of the Sporting Regulations.”

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