The FIA has once again warned drivers that they risk having their lap times deleted during qualifying if they cross the white line defining the track limit, after several drivers were seen during practice to be running wide to carry extra speed on the exit of particular corners.
During the drivers' meeting on Friday evening, the FIA's Charlie Whiting made it clear that running wide at Copse, Stowe and the final Club corner, would not be tolerated unless a driver has a valid reason "beyond his control".
If caught doing so during qualifying, that time will be deleted.
"Further to the discussion in the drivers meeting yesterday evening I would like to confirm that we weill again be adopting a 'zero tolerance' approach to cars leaving the track at turns 9, 15 and 18 during qualifying," noted Whiting.
"Unless we are satisifed that a driver left the track at these points for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every lap time achieved by leaving the track will be deleted in accordance with Article 12.3.1.d of the Sporting Code."
Whiting also made it clear that track limits would be strictly monitored during the race, with repeat offenders penalised.
"During the race, and in accordance with Article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations, and driver who is judged to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track will be reported to the stewards," he added.
"Similarly, under the same Article, any driver who repeatedly leaves the track will be reported to the stewards for not having made every reasonable effort to use the track."
The warning was also issued to feeder series GP2 and GP3, with an unusually high number of lap times deleted during GP3 Series' Saturday morning qualifying session.
