The FIA has issued a warning to all drivers that using the run-off area at the first corner, La Source, could result in a penalty.
At previous events it has often been used to gain an advantage, whereby the driver can simply drive around the outside of the pack before flooring it and joining just before Eau Rouge – often jumping several cars in the process.
Race director Charlie Whiting and ex-driver steward, Nigel Mansell, made it clear to the drivers at a meeting that such a move won’t be tolerated, although leniency will be given if a driver is forced wide.
This, Michael Schumacher believes, will mean drivers will purposefully place their cars in a position which forces them to run wide.
“I think we will probably have some discussion about this, because whether you anticipate being pushed out or whether you have to wait to be pushed out is important.
“If you look at Kimi, he would not have been able to do this line [in 2009] keeping his speed on. He should have had to brake. He was anticipating having to make this move to avoid maybe to slow down. Is this right? Is this wrong? We will find out,” Autosport quote the German as saying.
Schumacher though, is confident Nigel Mansell’s experience will help him to advise on this grey area.
“Luckily we have a driver colleague that helps the stewards to find the right decision so Nigel, having his experience, I hope he will judge it well and make the right decision.”
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