FIA COVID-19 guidelines: F1 should think about starting procedure and pitstops

With a 74 page document the FIA presented the guidelines for the new racing season on Thursday, in a world where COVID-19 still prevails. All possible information about the coronavirus and how to deal with it during a motorsport event will be covered.

So the FIA leaves nothing to chance and devotes entire chapters to the question of exactly what the virus is, how it is spread and what you can do about it in everyday life. Only then are the protocols for the motor sport events dealt with.

Most of this of course takes place behind the scenes, but there are a number of cases where the coronary measures (may) have an impact on the actual action on the track. Depending on the situation, these are the most important issues that need to be considered by the FIA:

• Testing: Are there sufficient testing possibilities to guarantee fair competition?
• Starting procedure: Adjusting the amount of time team members are allowed to spend on the grid.
• Grid procedure: Fewer people accessing the grid
• Pit stops: Is it possible to safely implement a staff reduction?
• Are adjustments to the regulations necessary if someone is unable to take part in the race?
• Is there a minimum number of cars at the start?

The FIA stresses that the different championships should be as flexible as possible in order to come up with the best answers to these questions for each event.