F1 confirm new starting procedure for Australian GP

F1 race director Rui Marquez has confirmed a different start procedure will be in effect this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.

The pre-season test period prompted concerns over how the cars would react at race starts, as the removal of the MGU-H component in the new power unit changed how quickly the turbo could spin up.

Now, the drivers have to maintain high revs for an extended period to ensure there is no turbo lag - a delay in receiving full power from the turbo while accelerating - when the lights go out.

It was noted that this would deliver a significant disadvantage to those starting at the back of the grid who only have a very limited window to get set for the starting lights.

During Bahrain testing, a solution was trialled in which a blue panel was shown for five seconds after the last car rolled into position, after which the traditional five lights procedure commenced.

This will now be used in Australia this weekend to eliminate any safety concerns should a driver fail to pull away at speed.

Marquez's Australian GP notes read: “For the safe and orderly conduct of the Competition, once all F1 Cars starting from the grid have returned to the grid at the end of the formation lap or laps prior to the Race, the starting grid light panels will be illuminated blue (flashing) for 5 seconds and the information panel on the start gantry will display the message “Pre-Start”, following which the light sequence defined in to Article B5.7.2 of the FIA F1 Regulations will commence.”

Additionally, it has been agreed that Straight Mode, part of the new active aerodynamics, will only be available for use after Turn 1 on the opening lap.