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FIA limits media pit lane access

ESPN Staff
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The changes have been made after an FOM cameraman was injured after being hit by a loose wheel during the German Grand Prix © Associated Press
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The FIA has announced media access to the pit lane during all free practice sessions "will be greatly reduced".

Pit lane safety has been under review since FOM cameraman Paul Allen was injured after being struck by a loose wheel from Mark Webber's car during the German Grand Prix. Following on from that incident, the FIA informed the media that from the Hungarian Grand Prix onwards it would be reducing access to the pit lane.

The new restrictions will see the total amount of media - including both journalists and photographers - in the pit lane during free practice limited to 25, with only those wearing special tabards allowed access. The FIA note explained that the decision had been taken "in the interests of safety". Previously, permanent pass members and tabard holders were allowed pit lane access for all free practice sessions.

Since the incident in Germany, the FIA has already fast-tracked changes originally planned for 2014, including an 80km/h pit lane speed limit imposed throughout the whole weekend and approved media only allowed access to the pit wall rather than the pit lane.

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