The FIA has implemented temporary gravel traps and AI technology in order to address violations of track limits during the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Last year’s race at the Red Bull Ring witnessed a staggering 1200 potential infractions of track limits, prompting the FIA to take action. To alleviate concerns for the drivers, a 2.5m wide gravel trap has been added to Turns 9 and 10 of the Austrian GP circuit. Additionally, the outer kerb at Turn 4 has been narrowed to reduce the margin for error before encountering the gravel.
According to FIA F1 Race Director Niels Wittich, these changes will provide the drivers with a clear understanding of the track limits. The drivers will receive feedback and be able to sense when they are approaching the gravel. If a wheel does make contact with the gravel, it will result in a penalty due to the decrease in speed. This serves as a natural deterrent, which has been the primary request from the drivers. Similar measures have been implemented at the Shanghai circuit, resulting in positive feedback from the drivers.
The adjustments to the Turn 4 kerbs have been made by repositioning the white line, ensuring that the distance to the gravel is now 1.8 meters. This modification eliminates any ambiguity regarding track limits, even for lower-tier racing series such as F3. Additionally, the white lines at Turns 1, 3, and 6 have been relocated to maintain the same 1.8-meter gap to the gravel.
A partially automated artificial intelligence (AI) system, which has been tested since Abu Dhabi last year, will be utilized in conjunction with the FIA’s Remote Operations Centre to detect instances of cars exceeding track limits throughout the Austrian GP weekend.
To facilitate the identification of when a car has crossed the track’s boundaries, typically defined by a white line that merges with the white elements of the kerb, a light blue line has been introduced to enhance the accuracy of the system.
“We have shifted the white line on the kerb and added a light blue line behind it to make it easier for the marshals, the Remote Operations Centre (ROC) personnel, and Race Control to determine if a driver has exceeded the limits. This clear visual distinction is achieved by having the white line, the light blue line, and the black tire,” explained Wittich.
“We had the same blue lines in Barcelona, specifically in Turns 5, 9, 12, and 13. As I mentioned before, the aim is to simplify the identification of whether a tire is off the track or not. The light blue line will assist us in distinguishing between a driver being off the track or not.”
Wittich also mentioned that the effectiveness of implementing gravel traps will be assessed to determine if they can be utilized in other circuits on the 2024 Formula 1 Calendar.
The FIA F1 Race Director highlighted the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas as a potential candidate.
“For instance, in Austin, at the exit of Turn 19, there is a very wide run-off area, and at the exit of Turn 12, there is a wide asphalt run-off area,” he stated.
“We analyze every circuit to identify areas where improvements can be made.”
To address safety concerns for other racing series, particularly MotoGP, where a narrow gravel trap poses a safety risk to two-wheeled prototype motorcycles, the gravel strips at Turn 9 and 10 are temporary and can be easily replaced with asphalt in time for the Grand Prix motorcycle racing at the Red Bull Ring in August.