Formula 1 is testing a “virtual safety car”

In the event of a crash or some other dangerous situation on the track, many forms of motorsport deploy a safety car that leads the race cars around at a safer speed. But in the wake of Formula One driver Jules Bianchi’s terrifying crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, F1 officials are testing a system that could make safety cars obsolete. At the US Grand Prix after the practice rounds on Friday, teams tested a new “virtual safety car” program that forces them to reduce their speeds to about 35 percent less than a normal dry lap time. 

Formula 1 is to trial a “virtual safety car” at the US Grand Prix. The system, which forces drivers to slow in an accident zone, is aimed at eliminating the possibility of a repeat of the accident that left Jules Bianchi in a critical condition. Frenchman Bianchi remains in hospital with severe head injuries suffered when he hit a recovery vehicle in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix this month. Teams will try the technology after both practice sessions on Friday. In event of a crash, drivers will have to keep to a speed about 35% slower than a normal dry lap time. Drivers will be aided by a dashboard display and, if they exceed the specified speed limit when the virtual safety car system is in place, they will face penalties. After testing the system, governing body the FIA will decide in tandem with the teams when it can be formally introduced.