Pit Lane Speed Limiter
Overview
Exceeding the pit lane speed limit (from the 2014 season onward: 60 km/h in practice and qualifying, 80 km/h during the race) results in a hefty fine during practice and qualifying ($250 per km/h above the limit, with higher penalties for repeat offences) and a stop-and-go penalty during the race. It did not take long for drivers to demand a technical solution to prevent speeding in the pit lane.
How It Works
All cars are fitted with a button on the steering wheel that imposes a speed limit on the car. It can only operate in first, second, and third gears, must be selected and de-selected by the driver alone, and may only be used in the pit lane. These restrictions ensure that the system cannot be exploited on track as a crude traction control system.
Pressing the button changes the engine rev limit according to the gear selected and the speed limit in force at the time. Drivers must remember to press it before crossing the pit entry line, as the system does not instantly slow the car to the correct speed.
Historical Function
Before the refuelling ban in 2009, this button also operated the latch on the refuelling cover. When pressed, the flap would pop open to uncover the fuel rig connector for refuelling, and it would close again when the speed limiter was de-selected as the car rejoined the circuit.
Regulatory Text
The FIA 2010 Formula One Sporting Regulations state:
- GENERAL SAFETY
30.12 A speed limit of 60km/h will be imposed in the pit lane during all free practice sessions, this will be raised to 100km/h for the remainder of the Event. However, this limit may be amended by the stewards following a recommendation from the FIA F1 safety delegate.
Except in the race, any driver who exceeds the limit will be fined €200 for each km/h above the limit (this may be increased in the case of a second offence in the same Event). During the race, the stewards may impose either of the penalties under Article 16.3a) or b) on any driver who exceeds the limit.
16.3 The stewards may impose any one of three penalties on any driver involved in an Incident :
a) A drive-through penalty. The driver must enter the pit lane and re-join the race without stopping ;
b) A ten second time penalty. The driver must enter the pit lane, stop at his pit for at least ten seconds and then re-join the race.
c) a drop of any number of grid positions at the driver’s next Event.
However, should either of the penalties under a) and b) above be imposed during the last five laps, or after the end of a race, Article 16.4b) below will not apply and 20 seconds will be added to the elapsed race time of the driver concerned in the case of a) above and 30 seconds in the case of b).
16.4 Should the stewards decide to impose either of the penalties under Article 16.3a) or b), the following procedure will be followed :
a) The stewards will give written notification of the penalty which has been imposed to the competitor concerned and will ensure that this information is also displayed on the timing monitors.
b) From the time the stewards’ decision is notified on the timing monitors the relevant driver may cross the Line on the track no more than twice before entering the pit lane and, in the case of a penalty under Article 16.3b), proceeding to his garage where he shall remain for the period of the time penalty.
However, unless the driver was already in the pit entry for the purpose of serving his penalty, he may not carry out the penalty after the safety car has been deployed. The number of times the driver crosses the Line behind the safety car will be added to the Maximum number of times he may cross the Line on the track.
Whilst a car is stationary in the pit lane as a result of incurring a time penalty it may not be worked on. However, if the engine stops it may be started after the time penalty period has elapsed.
c) When the time penalty period has elapsed the driver may rejoin the race.
d) Any breach or failure to comply with Articles 16.4b) or c) may result in the car being excluded.