The FIA has confirmed that from next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix onwards, the pitlane speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h during the race.
The new measures, which include all those working on the car during a stop wearing mandatory helmets, had been scheduled to come into effect next season.
In an effort to improve safety after an FOM cameraman was struck by a loose wheel from Mark Webber’s Red Bull, the World Motor Sport Council has voted in favour of fast-tracking them into the current regulations.
The pitlane speed limit speed will now match that of both practice and qualifying.
The change will also have a strategic impact with teams potentially opting to pit less because of the increased time spent in the pits. A stop in Hungary from entering the pitlane to exiting it with a reasonable stop would usually take around 12.4 seconds, but this will increase to 16.4 seconds.
At other circuits the loss will be even greater as the Hungaroring has a relatively short 341 metre pitlane.
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