The virtual safety car gets the green light for 2015

The F1 teams and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have approved the introduction of a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) starting from the 2015 season following positive tests conducted during the last Grand Prix races of the season.

The measure was quickly implemented to test better control of driver speeds during track incidents, following the accident that Jules Bianchi suffered at the wheel of his Marussia during the Japanese Grand Prix.

This virtual safety car will be implemented to impose speed limits on the track during incidents that don’t really require the intervention of the “real” safety car. The initial tests conducted during the U.S. GP trials received feedback from the drivers, which helped move things forward.

Stricter checks were also implemented during tests in Abu Dhabi, on a specific section rather than the entire lap, but they received negative feedback from the drivers.

Most drivers prefer the VSC approach because [in a single sector] they were concerned about braking at high speed to reach the speed limit. Some drivers were worried about not seeing it [the indication on the steering wheel], and several drivers were concerned about seeing it too late. And these wide speed differences could cause problems. Additionally, the fact that there is no specific line on track to show drivers where it starts could lead to endless penalties. Overall, everyone prefers the VSC approach, » said an FIA spokesperson quoted by Autosport.

The FIA has met with the different teams and a draft update of the 2015 sporting regulations has been prepared, but these changes will only become effective once they have been approved by the teams.

Moreover, according to Autosport, the virtual safety car system should continue to be tested at the beginning of 2015, during the initial tests that will take place in Jerez starting from February 1st, in particular.