Share

F1 bans pit-radio tips for drivers

PARIS, France - Formula 1's governing body has reportedly banned certain radio communications between trackside engineers and drivers - with immediate effect.

Germany's Auto Motor and Sport reports that the increasing trend for radio instructions about how the drivers should actually drive have, it's claimed, proved a major turn-off for fans.

One example crackled over the TV-transmitted radio link on Friday ahead of the 2014 Italian F1 GP at Monza: championship leader Nico Rosberg said to his Mercedes engineer Tony Ross: "Give me driving instructions."

ANOTHER RULE

Another: Ferrari's Andrea Stella told Fernando Alonso to "take another line in Turn 10" at the same circuit but during the 2014 Italian F1 GP.

According to Auto Motor and Sport, the International Automobile Federation is now banning such messages, as from the 2014 Singapore GP on September 21.

It is also believed the federation wants to clamp down on telling drivers which dials they should watch and which  buttons they should press.

The report said the Paris-based federation was enforcing the ban simply by invoking a clarification of the existing Article 20.1 of the sporting regulations which states:

"The driver must drive the car alone and unaided."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE