The FIA plans to introduce new rules for street circuits to ensure they are inspected properly before holding grands prix.
Its Circuit Commission told the World Motor Sport Council “there has been recent examples where non-permanent circuits have not been presented in a timely manner for final inspection.”
Track inspections are required to ensure the FIA’s safety standards are complied with. Arranging inspections can be particularly complicated at street circuits due to the need to close public areas to traffic.
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit, which held the Las Vegas Grand Prix for the first time last year, presented a particular challenge as it was only available for F1 to use for a few hours per day.
Soon after practice began, Carlos Sainz Jnr struck a loose water valve cover which caused significant damage to his car. Esteban Ocon also hit the same cover.
As a result the first practice session was abandoned and the second delayed, causing significant disruption to the event. The second practice session did not conclude until 4am the following morning.
In order to guard against similar situations in future, the WMSC has “approved a proposal to introduce a minimum time period of 24 hours between the final inspection and first competitive track activity to ensure the circuit is ready on time.”
“All non-permanent circuits must therefore be presented for a final inspection 48 hours prior to the proposed start date of first competitive track activity of the first international competition, and subsequently 24 hours prior to the first competitive track activity of any international competition, unless agreed otherwise by the FIA,” it continued.
“This final inspection will normally take place the day before the first competitive track activity and must be completed to the FIA’s satisfaction and all conditions and specific requirements set out in the relevant regulations must be complied with before the circuit licence can be issued.”
The WMSC’s proposal requires the approval of the F1 Commission to be put into practice.
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