The FIA has shared details for the F1 Australian GP weekend with regards to circuit plus reminds of a long standing safety measure.

While former FIA Race Director Michael Masi is in the Albert Park paddock to look after the Supercars event, his successor Niels Wittich shared his note for this year’s F1 Australian GP weekend with host of changes and a reminder about an old rule.

The track limits situation remains as it has been with white lines denoting them but there’s been significant changes made to the Albert Park circuit since 2022. Already last year, there were modifications done but for 2023, they have made further changes.

Here’s the list –

  • Realignment of TecPro at Turn 2 RHS.
  • Realignment of TecPro at Turn 5 LHS.
  • New vehicle opening on LHS at MP10.5.
  • Realignment of Barriers and Tyre Barriers to maintain 1m height at Turn 11 LHS.
  • Levelling of the verge at Turn 13 LHS.
  • Pit exit width reduced to 4 m and Pit exit line shortened, ends at SC2 line.
  • Reduction of 2 concrete barriers to the end of the separation wall between Support and F1 pit wall.

Moving on to the DRS zones, the fourth one has been approved to be used, making the grand a prix a bit more exciting to watch how the drivers take advantage of it. The first and second zones’ detection point sits at 40m after Turn 6.

The activation for first one is at 130m after TSP11 Start and second’s activation is at 100m after Turn 10. The detection zone for third and fourth zones is at 90m before Turn 13, while the activation for third is at 30m after Turn 14 and fourth’s is 30m after Turn 2.

As for the four FIA stewards, the panel will be led by Nish Shetty and comprises of Loic Bacquelaine, Enrique Bernoldi and Christopher Mcmohan. In addition to the 20cm widening of the grid box after issues in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, there is another reminder.

It is a bit unusual timing but the FIA has reminded the teams about the International Sporting Code’s Appendix H Article 2.3.2 regulation. It deals with pitlane and the dangers of being in that space for everyone, including the team personnel.

The rule that the FIA is focusing on is the celebrations post-race whether for a win or podium finish. The usual practice is for the mechanics to climb up the safety fence, but as per the long-standing rule they are not allowed to do so.

The FIA hasn’t enforced this for a long time but has brought this up ahead of the F1 Australian GP weekend. It is unclear what pushed them but with this enforcing, it will end mechanics from climbing and showing emotions which the photographers capture it well.

There is a safety aspect certainly but there hasn’t been a lot of injuries in long time to come, of course, there is always a chance. In terms of a penalty, it is unlikely to be affecting results, but more on the side of fines on the F1 teams.

The rule reads as: “Organisers of races are reminded that the pit lane represents a potentially dangerous area during the running of a competition, not only because of the racing cars using it but also in view of accidents which may occur owing to cars being on the race track adjacent to it.

“Therefore, access to the pit lane should be exclusively reserved during practice and races for those persons specially authorised and having a specific job to do. The pit wall signalling platform should be forbidden to all except authorised officials or race team personnel, having a special pass; the presence of any person in this zone should be strictly prohibited during the start of a race, unless there is adequate protection in place, at the discretion of the race director, if appointed, or the clerk of the course.

“Team personnel are only allowed in the pit lane immediately before they are required to work on a car and must withdraw as soon as the work is complete. It is forbidden for personnel to climb on pit wall debris fences at any time. Any action by a team breaching this ban will be reported to the Stewards.”

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

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