F1 cuts back on team radio chats

11 September 2014 02:31

Formula One teams and drivers were on Thursday ordered to severely cut back on radio conversations during a race that help with car or driver performance.

The ruling was handed down by Formula One's governing body the FIA.

From now on conversations from the pitlane telling a driver where he is losing time on the circuit will be illegal.

The change is being implemented through a strict enforcement of Article 20.1 of F1's sporting regulations which states: "The driver must drive the car alone and unaided."

The new ruling tells team: "In order to ensure that the requirements of Article 20.1 of the F1 sporting regulations are respected at all times FIA intends to rigorously enforce this regulation with immediate effect.

"Therefore, no radio conversation from pit to driver may include any information that is related to the performance of the car or driver."

Source: AFP