After the heated debate over track restrictions in Portugal a week ago, FIA race director Michael Masi stated in his event notes for Spain that turns 1, 2, 13, 14 and 15 must be monitored by the stewards during the race weekend.
The Turn 13-15 complex covers the chicane in the last sector, which replaced the two right-hand turns in 2007 and has proven largely unpopular since its inception.
“A lap time that is achieved during a training session or a race by leaving the track and not driving through corners 13, 14 and 15 results in this lap time and the following lap time becoming invalid by the stewards,” wrote Masi .
On Friday, Masi stated that it was discovered last year that drivers were using the old layout to keep them from obstructing faster cars. However, this gave them an edge as they started their next round.
“That was something that we had here last year and that prevailed especially in qualifying,” said Masi.
“The drivers can use this outer loop and try to use it, especially to get out of the way so as not to unnecessarily obstruct someone in qualifying.
“But it was also found that with this loop you can run better on the track and start your qualifying lap much faster.
“So we reached the compromise that if you use this outer loop, this lap time and the following lap time will be deleted for that very purpose.
“But we don’t see that as a different problem than really during qualifying.”
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The FIA has maintained its regular monitoring of route restrictions in turns 1 and 2 and requires that any driver driving through the drainage area stay to the left of the bollard lights at the exit so that they do not gain any advantage.
“Like we have been here for several years, especially when the apex of turn 2 is missing. So if you get off course in turn 1 or before the yellow sausage at the apex of turn 2, you have to take all steps after the second bollard that is out there, you can safely get back on track, ”said Masi.
“That was a development year after year and the same principle that we adopted there last year. So these lap times will be deleted.
“A black and white flag will be displayed for someone who leaves there twice during the race and the stewards can impose a time penalty the third time.”
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