Track Limits

**MrJan** · 28th March 2011, 11:01

Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

But can't it be argued that in all three instances at the weekend an advantage was gained. In Button's case he was penalised so case closed, but both Buemi and Vettel "gained an advantage" by going off track simply because they made a pass that would not have been possible at that point on the circuit otherwise.

zactly! If Melbourne was a street circuit a la Monaco, then there'd have been a barrier preventing that pass, surely that's the definition of what a track limit should be. It's not a simple thing to create a rule that people generally agree is right (i.e that we mostly don't mind running wide to pass), but the FIA and F1 have so much money in this sport that I'm sure they can find some out shot legal person to figure it all out. The truth of course is that they want rules to be ambiguous as it means that their race stewards get to apply rules as would be wanted by the powers that be.

**Bezza** · 28th March 2011, 12:42

Originally Posted by Sonic

The way I see it is this. If you shorten the track, you get punished, no argument. But running wide and lengthening the track is its own punishment IMO. Turn 4 is a good example. Not only has the driver got a longer distance to travel, they also have a tighter angle of attack for the quick turn 5. If they manage to stick a pass whilst doing that, kudos to them.

However, the next corner is a right hander, and therefore an advantage has been gained.

There should be no tarmac there, just kerb, grass and gravel. If you go over the kerb you may be OK but touch the grass and it won't work. I think that would have made it fair.

**Sonic** · 28th March 2011, 20:08

Originally Posted by Sleeper

Except that it makes the turn more shallow and so allows for a much greater apex and exit speed, thereby giving an advantage over the car that is on track.

If it were faster that way the boys would do it every lap.

**ArrowsFA1** · 29th March 2011, 08:31

It's interesting that, in connection with the Button/Massa incident, Stefano Domenicali says that:

"The new rules are stronger. It is not just the International Sporting Code now; it is in the sporting regulations that you have to respect the line of the track."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90312