Following work conducted by FIA specialists over recent weeks, the governing body has developed new software that will trigger the rear red rain lights to come on when conditions demand they are required.
The idea is that as soon as FIA’s race control deems that track conditions are officially ‘Low Grip’ because of rain, then software will ensure that the rain lights come on.
Up until now, drivers have had to manually switch on their rain lights – which means sometimes there is the risk of them not being activated when conditions have deteriorated.
In event notes sent out by F1 race director Niels Wittich on Thursday, teams were informed that after Friday’s opening free practice session, the short test will kick in to see if the software introduction has worked.
Wittich said: “After all cars have taken the chequered flag, a Double Yellow Sector and Low Grip will be activated. After approximately 20 seconds Low Grip will be disabled. Another 10 seconds later VSC will be activated. After approximately 20 seconds VSC will be disabled.”
The short test should be enough for the FIA to judge if the software changes worked without trouble. If the test is successful then the likelihood is that the changes can be implemented full time for next year.
Source: Autosport