FIA shares Austrian GP circuit details, DRS zones, tyre rule & more

The FIA has shared details of track limits, DRS, circuit changes for F1 Austrian GP along with the tyre rule change for sprint.

The FIA Race Directors’ note for the F1 Austrian GP has track limits notification where the white line remains as the detection point, but they have added about drivers negotiating the exit of Turn 10 where lap deletion may happen if not adhered to.

The FIA note states: “In accordance with the provisions of Article 33.3, the white lines define the track edges. During Qualifying, Sprint Shootout, Sprint and the Race, each time a driver fails to negotiate with the track limits, this will result in that lap time being invalidated by the Stewards. Additionally, each time a driver fails to negotiate with the exit of turn 10, will result in that lap time and the immediately following lap time being invalidated by the Stewards.”

Moving on to the DRS zones, the FIA’s preview states that the first’s detection zone is 160m before Turn 1 with the activation zone 102m after Turn 1. The second’s detection zone is 40m before Turn 3 with the activation zone being 100m after Turn 3.

The third’s detection zone is 120m before Turn 10 with the activation zone being 106m after Turn 10. In terms of the four FIA stewards, it is Garry Connelly leading the team which consists of Mathieu Remmerie, Enrique Bernoldi and Walter Jobst.

Looking at the changes at the Red Bull Ring circuit, the FIA notes states:

• New verge between Turn 2 and Turn 3 on both sides, same width as before.
• Verge behind 2nd kerb shortened at the apex of Turn 8 on RHS.
• Temporary kerbs at Turn 8 on RHS have been removed.

Especially for the F1 Sprint event, the FIA has implemented the change for tyre usage after the problems faced in Baku. With the changed ruling after agreement between the governing body, the Commercial Rights Holder and nine teams, the drivers are no longer bound to use a new soft tyre in Q3. They are free to use an used soft set too if needed.

Here’s the whole note from the FIA:

“In order to avoid the acknowledged unintended consequence whereby in certain situations at Sprint events it becomes attractive to run intermediate tyres on a dry track, the following amendment to Article 30.5.h of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations is made. Consultation has occurred with the Commercial Rights Holder, Stewards and Teams.

The agreement of the FIA, the Commercial Rights Holder and nine (9) Competitors has been obtained in accordance with Article 1.4. Accordingly, my Decision is that Article 30.5 h) iv) be modified to read as follows:

Article 30.5h iv revised wording – In the period SQ3 of the sprint shootout, up to one set of dry-weather tyres may be used, and this must only be a new set of the soft specification.

Article 1.4 for ease of reference – Until 01 August 2023, for Competitions where a sprint session is scheduled, and in exceptional circumstances only, the FIA may implement temporary changes to Articles 30.5.h, 37.4, 39, 40.9, and 42 of these Sporting Regulations.

Any such changes:

a) May only be made with the agreement of the FIA, the Commercial Rights Holder and at least eight (8) Competitors;

b) Must address unintended issues that have arisen as result of the changes to these Sporting Regulations approved by the WMSC in April 2023;

c) Must be solely intended to ensure sporting fairness or to avoid organisational issues;

d) May only apply at the Competition during which the matters in question arose; and

e) Will be communicated to the Competitors via the Competition Notes issued by the Race
Director.

Here’s the full FIA note: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2023%20Austrian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Race%20Director’s%20Event%20Notes.pdf

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