F1 bosses delay full ban on radio transmissions
Proposal to silence pit to car messages at Singapore GP is postponed after teams raise concerns over handling sudden switch in regulations
Formula One has significantly altered its proposed ban on pit-car radio transmissions after teams raised concerns, with information on car performance allowed for the rest of the season.
F1 initially proposed drastic rules to prevent most radio messages due to fan disquiet that it was the teams rather than drivers that were effectively controlling the cars, with drivers altering settings at their team's behest and following instructions on fuel, tyre and brake use.
The new rules were to have started at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, but following a meeting between the teams and the FIA late on Thursday, the ban on car-performance information will be put off until 2015.
I don't know how it's going to impact, but it's definitely a challenge ... but I like challenges, so that's good
But driver coaching messages via radio will be banned immediately. This includes advice on gear selection and braking points at corners, car set-up for particular parts of the track, racing lines, speed and acceleration rates, and how and when to use the drag- reduction system.
Part of the rationale for the review of the changes was that the rules would have had an uneven impact on teams.
Teams that have hi-tech steering wheels with enhanced data telemetry would be more able than others to provide drivers with information on car performance.
Data telemetry was not part of the proposed ban, only radio transmissions.
A delay until 2015 will give teams more time to prepare drivers, technically and in training, to handle more responsibility for monitoring car performance.