Formula One news

New safety car rules dictate strategy

BMW Sauber F1 driver Robert Kubica says the new safety car rules for 2007 are having a profound effect on his team's race strategies, even when the safety car is not deployed during a race.

"Due to the new safety-car regulations, a team can't afford letting both its drivers contest the race on the same strategy," reveals Robert, "As this might result in having to leave empty-handed, depending on the course of the race. Consequently, you have to play it safe with one of your drivers." 

Running different strategies means that on paper, one of the cars has a more optimal outcome than the other, and the decision as to who gets what comes down to technical chief Willy Rampf.

Nick Heidfeld explained, "Willy Rampf has the final say. However, his decision is only made once he has discussed the situation with us. When you opt for different race strategies for your two drivers, the driver who turns out to be the more competitive over the course of the weekend will be the one who contests the race with the most promising strategy."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage