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Engines purr in the lead up to the race
By Tan Weiyun |
April 14, 2012, Saturday
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The start of the Formula One race is not as simple as it appears on television. There are rules that both the teams and the drivers need to follow to ensure no one gets an unfair advantage prior to the race start.
Before every grand prix, the teams and drivers have to abide by a very strict starting procedure. The countdown starts 30 minutes before the formation lap when the pit lane is opened.
30 minutes before the race
The FIA has confirmed the final pole position of the drivers. The pit lane is opened and the pit crew of each team rolls race tires onto the track.
At the same time, a series of remote sensing equipment connected with the cars is placed on the track.
Meanwhile, preparation work on the pit lane is in full swing. Mechanics and engineers are busy testing electronic systems and other equipment.
The driver puts on the fire hood and helmet with the help of his trainer. He then gets into the cockpit and the trainer helps fasten the two-shoulder straps, one abdominal strap and two straps between the two legs.
25-20 minutes before the race
The car is pushed into its pole position. Mechanics are testing tires according to the track condition. The trainer is the second busiest man on the track because he is carrying a big umbrella in one hand and a backpack in the other, which is loaded with almost everything the driver might need. This ranges from bottled water, a dry towel, a wet towel soaked in ice water, sunglasses, a cap, a backup fire hood, gloves and the driver's personal items such as a mobile phone or iPod.
The cars carry out a reconnaissance lap, which allows the driver to drive around the circuit before taking his position on the start grid. However, if a driver wishes to do more than one reconnaissance lap, he must go through the pit lane at greatly reduced speed.
Once all the cars come to a halt on the grid, mechanics get back to work. The driver gets out of the car and adapts his strategy with his race engineer.
After the conversation with the engineer, it's media time. Only national TV stations get a chance to interview the top drivers.
15-10 minutes before the race
The track is cleared. Except the drivers, officials and team technical staff, all the media, VIPs, tire technicians and engine suppliers are asked to leave immediately.
5 minutes before the race
Once the lights turn green, the cars take off on a formation lap. Once all the cars take their respective positions on the grid after the formation lap, five red lights are lit. The race starts once the lights are extinguished.
Before every grand prix, the teams and drivers have to abide by a very strict starting procedure. The countdown starts 30 minutes before the formation lap when the pit lane is opened.
30 minutes before the race
The FIA has confirmed the final pole position of the drivers. The pit lane is opened and the pit crew of each team rolls race tires onto the track.
At the same time, a series of remote sensing equipment connected with the cars is placed on the track.
Meanwhile, preparation work on the pit lane is in full swing. Mechanics and engineers are busy testing electronic systems and other equipment.
The driver puts on the fire hood and helmet with the help of his trainer. He then gets into the cockpit and the trainer helps fasten the two-shoulder straps, one abdominal strap and two straps between the two legs.
25-20 minutes before the race
The car is pushed into its pole position. Mechanics are testing tires according to the track condition. The trainer is the second busiest man on the track because he is carrying a big umbrella in one hand and a backpack in the other, which is loaded with almost everything the driver might need. This ranges from bottled water, a dry towel, a wet towel soaked in ice water, sunglasses, a cap, a backup fire hood, gloves and the driver's personal items such as a mobile phone or iPod.
The cars carry out a reconnaissance lap, which allows the driver to drive around the circuit before taking his position on the start grid. However, if a driver wishes to do more than one reconnaissance lap, he must go through the pit lane at greatly reduced speed.
Once all the cars come to a halt on the grid, mechanics get back to work. The driver gets out of the car and adapts his strategy with his race engineer.
After the conversation with the engineer, it's media time. Only national TV stations get a chance to interview the top drivers.
15-10 minutes before the race
The track is cleared. Except the drivers, officials and team technical staff, all the media, VIPs, tire technicians and engine suppliers are asked to leave immediately.
5 minutes before the race
Once the lights turn green, the cars take off on a formation lap. Once all the cars take their respective positions on the grid after the formation lap, five red lights are lit. The race starts once the lights are extinguished.
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