From Austria to France: the constant of track limits
I track limits who caused so much discussion in Austria will be protagonists again at the Paul ricard according to Christian horner. The Red Bull team principal explained that it is the same conformation of the tracks, with wide tarmac escape routes, to spur the riders to go beyond the limits to gain a few tenths per lap.
This, however, does not go unpunished. Indeed, during the weekend of the Austrian Grand Prix, they were well noticed 43 no respects of the track limits. After three warnings, a penalty of five seconds.
The problem is that, from inside the passenger compartment, it is very difficult to notice that you have crossed the white line with the whole car and therefore the punishment is excessively severe. For this reason, the behavior of the race direction at the Red Bull Ring has raised many controversy by drivers, team principals and fans.
According to the English manager, it will be even worse in France: “In Austria the problem is the nature of the circuit which invites drivers to use track limits and of course there were many who violated these over the weekend. My concern isn't so much here: I think Paul Ricard will be an even bigger problem. The asphalt beyond the limits of the track is practically boundless and there are actually some points where you can gain lap time".
Penalties too severe? Russell's solution
As for the severity of the punishments, George Russell proposes a drastic solution: “It's very difficult for us at the moment to judge a white line, because you can't feel it. If you get pushed out of the way in wheel-to-wheel duels, hold your foot to try and attack again at the next turn. But if there was any gravel or something else that penalizes you, both drivers would behave differently".
“I think we feel listened to by the FIA, but they can't change the rules from week to week in the face of protests from every driver. They have to abide by their rules, but they have to be applied consistently and they have to be clear to all of us. Sanctions should be a little more consistent, and this will only happen if there is consistency on the part of those who check that the regulations are respected".
Source: Formula Passion