Another Possible Hole in the Rules?

[BootsOntheSide]

As we have discussed, a lot of the new rules have been poorly-thought out, and the wording in the regulations has needed changing a couple of times. However, one thing occurred to me last night:

Would a car be allowed to start the race with only enough fuel to compelte the warm-up lap, then pit at the end of this, refuel as the start procedure goes on, then join the race from the pit-lane, tuckign in behind everyone else, slower, but fully fuelled up? And could an advantage be gained through this?

[Damon]

No, there would be no advantage from doing this, no matter where you start.

[paulzinho]

You may as well qualify heavy and just try and make a few places into T1, which would be easier starting at the back of the grid than it would be by starting in the pits.

[Red]

It is possible, however I find little use to qualify a light car like that. It basically means that you do succesfully claim the last position on grid. Better try to qualify a fully fueled car, last, but at least save 25-35 seconds worth pit-lane start.

[ss_collins]

Though when the field is in a pack its slower moving than when it is spread. However no advantage would be gained

[avsfan733]

well it might give you pole which is worth some sponsorship money and still leave you able to avoid the normal 1st turn incident but I don't think there would be any advantage

[bosch!]

Pit Lane is closed, surely

[BootsOntheSide]

Not at the start of the race when the lights are on. I meant enough fuel for the installation and formation laps.

[Speed]

Only one lap and then lose P1 (or any other front position) by getting Pits ?, I think that's a bad decision/strategy..., so IMHO, nobody will care about that hole in the rule, I guess...

[zork]

Hows about with all these cars carrying "ballast", Why not qualify with your tank full but with enough ballast to meet the minimum weight limit, Then on the grid add the rest of your required ballast to pass the post race weigh in?????

[Charlex]

I dont think that the times of the second qual are going to be better than the first. The best strategy is to be as fast as possible in the first qual, and then in the second, fill the tank, drive one lap, and wait for the start. If you have a bad first qual, is very difficult to improve in the second, because you have to run with fuel, it´s simple.

[Adam43]

The first qualifying times don't count for the grid. They just decide the order for the second qualifying.

[Adam43]

Originally posted by zork
Hows about with all these cars carrying "ballast", Why not qualify with your tank full but with enough ballast to meet the minimum weight limit, Then on the grid add the rest of your required ballast to pass the post race weigh in?????

I suspect one of the things you can't do between qualifying and the race is add ballast.

[Adam43]

On the main subject. I agree with red, Damon et al. I see no reason to do what Boots suggests. I suppose you get attention grabbing headlines on Saturday night, but when you pit you'll just end up last. So what was the point? Maybe I've missed what you were getting at.

[Wrex]

Me too

[Wrex]

That said, it would appear Minardi have found something

[steve nielsen]

Jos had found something as well, he was wearing the HANS device, but it was'nt under his seatbelts(the rules said nothing about that), so the FIA changed the rules.

a lot of drivers are complaining about HANS, and Jos as well, he has ordered a new one, but it takes 3 to 4 weeks until it is ready, and after that is has to be tested by the FIA first

[True Believer]

What did it find precisely? That it is paying 20 million pounds per season to Cosworth to be 4 seconds a lap slower than the cars at the front

Im all for being a bit clever but cant see the race package being a whole load better