• Australian Grand Prix

FIA telemetry issue has consequences for cockpit lights and DRS

ESPN Staff
March 16, 2013 « Super-soft behaving like qualifying tyre - Pirelli | New Williams 'undriveable' - Maldonado »
The FIA will not be able to control the use of DRS from race control © Sutton Images
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Reliability problems with the FIA's telemetry link between race control and the cars means the drivers will be without flag warning lights in the cockpit and the FIA will not be able to override the use of DRS.

The FIA has turned off the usual telemetry link for the rest of the weekend with several consequences for how the drivers will have to approach the race.

Usually when red, yellow or blue flags are shown an in-cockpit warning light illuminates to warn the driver, but those will not work this weekend. Blue flags are waved to warn drivers of a faster car about to lap a slower car and the FIA said "it will be even more important that teams do what they can to ensure their drivers respect blue flags".

The problem will also have an effect on DRS. When a safety car is deployed, yellow flags are shown or wet weather causes poor visibility the DRS is disabled, but due to the telemetry glitch the FIA will not be able to control the use of DRS as normal from race control. In the case of a safety car, the drivers will have to manually select their safety car mode (in order to remain within the delta time imposed for safety) as soon as they see an SC warning board or light.

A test will be carried out after FP3 to give the drivers a chance to get used to the new procedures.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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