The FIA has agreed for a slight change in the Formula 1’s pre-race grid procedure which will see the teams and drivers having to stay on the grid for extra 10 minutes from the existing schedule.
Currently, the pitlane closes 20 minutes and the national anthem plays 14 minutes before the race start which meant a majority of the drivers hit the grid only few minutes prior to the host country’s anthem.
However, the governing body passed a new rule on Thursday in Manila during the World Motor Sport Council for drivers and teams to be on the grid for 10 minutes longer. The change will come into effect from this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
It means the pitlane might close earlier, forcing the teams and drivers to be on the grid well before the anthem plays – effectively giving media extra time for interviews along with certain meet and greet with celebrities on the grid before the race starts.
The statement from the FIA reads: “The World Council approved changes to the 2018 F1 Sporting Regulations to ensure the cars and drivers are on the starting grid for ten minutes longer before the national anthem ceremony, thereby providing better access to the drivers for the media. These changes will be in effect from the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend.”
Additionally, the changes to aerodynamics, brake ducts and also the front & rear wings for the 2019 season were also confirmed through an e-vote for better overtaking chances during the races in the future.
“The World Council confirmed the results of the recent e-votes regarding the 2019 F1 Sporting and Technical Regulations. These included aerodynamic changes to the front wing, brake ducts, and rear wing and are aimed at improving overtaking,” it read.
