Pit lane speed reduced to 60 km/h, even during the race?
The FIA is said to have decided to reduce the speed in the pit lanes starting from the 2012 season.
Article 30, paragraph 12 of the 2012 Formula One sporting regulations states that the speed in the pits is limited to 60 km/h during free practice but is set at 100 km/h during qualifying and the race, unless otherwise recommended by the FIA safety delegate present at the Grand Prix.
However, according to the Italian magazine Autosprint, the FIA, and in particular Jean Todt, upon comparing the sporting regulations of other categories, may have concluded that the speed currently allowed during Grand Prix in the pit lane during tire changes is too high and therefore dangerous. Consequently, the governing bodies are considering imposing a maximum speed of 60 km/h in the pit lane even during qualifying and the race, as is the case in Le Mans Series or NASCAR events.
In addition to safety, such a regulation change could have significant impacts on team race strategies, especially with the increase in pit stops observed since last season. With speed being reduced by almost half in the pits, a stop would then be more penalizing and could thus drive some drivers to extend their stints to avoid a pit lane visit for a tire change.
For the record, if the maximum permitted speed in the pit lane is exceeded, drivers are fined €200 per km/h over the allowed speed, whether it occurs during free practice or qualifying. In the race, however, the stewards may impose a mandatory pass through the pit lane, commonly known as a “drive through,” on offending drivers.
A decision that, without a doubt, would delight the numerous VIP guests present at each Grand Prix, as they will have more time to admire the beautiful machines in action.
