F1 tests new start procedure after driver complaints

The FIA has reacted swiftly to driver concerns over race starts for the upcoming season.

With the introduction of the new power unit regulations, and following the first few days of testing last week, several drivers raised worries over how the race starts would look.

With the PUs powered by a 50-50 split between combustion and electrical energy, there is a need for the drivers to power up the turbo for a grand prix start. As highlighted with practice starts at the Bahrain International Circuit, this can take several seconds.

Ahead of a race, whilst those at the front through to the middle of the grid would have time to do so, those lining up at the back would be heavily compromised.

To mitigate what might happen, for each day of the three days of this week's second test in Bahrain, the FIA is to test a different start procedure.

The FIA confirmed: "As part of the end-of-day procedures during the second week of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the FIA will evaluate a new race start lights sequence.

"At approximately 18:50, a red flag will be shown, and all cars will return to the pit lane. The cars will then complete a formation lap, followed by an additional formation lap, before lining up on the grid for a simulated race start.

"Once all cars are in position, a new pre-start warning will begin: all grid panels will flash blue for 5 seconds. After the blue warning ends, the usual start sequence will begin.

"In total, the sequence will consist of: red flag; cars back in the pit lane and line up in the fast lane; pit exit open - cars leave the pit lane to go back on the grid; extra formation lap; cars back in position on the grid; five-second blue pre-start warning; standard start light procedure."

The FIA has additionally confirmed that within the new sequence, all drivers will receive a warning of when to start powering the turbo.

At the end of Wednesday's running, the 11 drivers who took part in the afternoon session all completed a new race start. They each left a free grid space in front of them to avoid any issues, and the procedure ran smoothly.

The getaways were not the smoothest, with plenty of wheelspin from a few of the drivers. For now, it appears as if the FIA has come across an acceptable solution.