Following tests during the practice sessions of the final rounds of the 2014 Formula One World Championship, F1 will introduce the ‘Virtual Safety Car’ in 2015.
The move to introduce the Virtual Safety Car came after Jules Bianchi’s horrific crash in wet conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix.
At the United States, Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA trialled the Virtual Safety Car [VSC] system as well as a stricter speed limit system.
Both versions had their issues with the drivers.
Initially with the VSC system drivers complained that it was too complicated to keep their sector times around the lap maintained.
The drivers would have a set number to stick too, highlighted on their steering wheel. They are allowed to drift above and below this number but overall the mean average has to hit target.
The stricter speed limit system had problems as drivers had concerns over themselves and other drivers having different reaction times to rapidly decrease their speed.
Without lines on the track to determine when the speed limit comes into affect, there was no clear set parameter of when drivers had to decrease speed, which could cause incidents and penalties.
With that in mind, the FIA have opted for the VSC system and will introduce this in time for next season.
Further tests are likely to take place during the test session in Jerez in February.
‘Most of the drivers preferred the VSC approach, because [with the single sector] they were concerned about braking from high speed down to the slow speed limit.
‘Some drivers were worried they might not see it, and some drivers were worried they might see it too late. And these large differences of speed could cause some difficulties.
‘Plus, the fact that there was not a specific line on the track to show drivers where it started could give rise to endless penalties.
‘Overall, everyone prefers the VSC approach.’ an FIA spokesperson told Autosport Magazine.
Virtual Safety Car to get debut in 2015
