The Formula 1 drivers present in FP1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will complete a short test of an automatic rain light system at the conclusion of Friday’s session.
Typically, F1 car’s rain lights are activated manually by drivers during adverse weather conditions, opening up the possibility that the lights won’t be activated when called upon.
To mitigate this risk, the FIA has been working on an automated system that will ensure the lights come on immediately when required.
In theory, once Race Control deems it to be necessary, they can activate the automated rainlight system.
“After all cars have taken the chequered flag, a Double Yellow Sector and Low Grip will be activated,” stated Race Director Niels Wittich in his notes.
“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.”
If the short test proves to be a success on Friday, the system could be implemented full-time during the 2024 season.
In modern F1, wet weather has wreaked havoc with the sport’s ability to run races in a safe and timely manner.
Complaints of an insufficient Wet weather tyre compound, combined with significant spray caused by the current ground effect era of cars, have contributed to races being delayed heavily until Intermediate tyres can be run.
Even before the ground effect rules were introduced at the start of 2022, wet weather running caused huge concerns, notably in the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, which was abandoned after just three laps of running behind the Safety Car due to adverse conditions.
Investigations have been ongoing to find a solution, including the test of wheel guards to combat spray.
The automated light system is just another tool that the FIA is working on to improve safety in wet weather running.
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