The race management has adjusted the procedure for entering the pit lane on the Red Bull Ring. For safety reasons, the drivers have to keep to the right from day two in turn nine if they want to dive into the pit lane. This is evident from the modified race management notes for the Austrian event, which were released on the morning of the second day of racing.
For safety reasons, drivers entering the pit lane must stay to the right of the white line in front of the entrance. This line starts approximately fifty meters before turn 9′, can be read in the amended document. In images from Friday, this white line at Turn 9 is not yet visible. So it seems that for this change the race management will have to draw this white line through Turn 9 towards the pit entrance. Turn 9 is the second-to-last corner of the circuit, meaning the drivers already have to slow down there to make a valid pit stop.
It is then also stated that this white line may only exceptionally be crossed by one of the participants: ‘On cases of force majeure (external influences beyond a driver’s control, ed.) After it is not allowed to cross this white line with any part of any wheel, in any direction, if the stewards believe that the driver has committed to a return to the pit lane.’
Offline riders at bend 6
A small change has also been made regarding the positioning of cars during the free practice sessions. Previously, the race director’s document stated that it was allowed for drivers to go ‘offline’ between Turn 6 (the last corner of Sector 2 near the grandstand in the middle of the circuit, ed.) and Turn 9 when there are a fast car arrives. Now that is not only allowed, but the drivers are even requested.
