FIA warns of ‘zero tolerance’

Editor

Race stewards will take a "zero tolerance" to any cars exceeding the track limits, especially at Turn 9 in qualifying.

FIA race director Charlie Whiting made the announcement on Saturday morning, warning that any driver who runs wide at Copse during qualifying will have their time disallowed.

Added to that, should they make a similar mistake during the race and it is deemed to give them an advantage, they will also be facing the stewards.

"Further to the discussion in the drivers meeting yesterday [Friday] evening I would like to inform all teams and drivers that we will be adopting a "zero tolerance" approach to cars leaving the track on the exit of Turn 9 during qualifying," read a statement from Whiting.

"Unless we are satisfied that a driver left the track at this point for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every lap time achieved by leaving the track will be deleted in accordance with Article 12.3.1.d of the Sporting Code.

"During the race, any driver who appears to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track at Turn 9, or who repeatedly leaves the track at this corner, will be reported to the stewards."