Pitlane activity

In the hours before the start, the pit lane is the strollers’ boulevard of Formula 1. When the stars and starlets make an appearance, the photographers and camera teams have rich pickings. But the strip of tarmac between the pit wall and the garages is more than just a stage of vanities: races are won – and sometimes lost – in the pit lane.

Keymoments in a race

The pit stops are among the most exciting moments of a Formula 1 race. The teams are on red alert when one of their cars comes in for servicing. Every brief interruption in the chase is a moment of intense excitement, not only for the spectators in the grandstand on the start-finish straight, but also for the pit crews. These experts, dressed like astronauts during a space-walk, even in the hottest conditions, pounce on command. And then their race begins: and every fraction of a second is a thrill.

“Normally, we are ready to start within 30 seconds,” says Paul Singlehurst from the WilliamsF1 Team, where they keep practicing the pit stops until every action is absolutely perfect. “But in an emergency, we can even do it in 15 seconds.”

When Formula 1 launches a new season, the boys at the WilliamsF1 Team have already completed 150 practice pit stops. No wonder everyone in this elite team knows exactly what he has to do. What at first glance appears to be a frantic jumble is in fact a perfectly choreographed movement of 22 men, where the key is not grace and posture, but simply that it must be quick and accurate. Is the fuel hose inserted in the car perfectly? Can the tyres be changed smoothly or is a wheel nut jammed somewhere? For the drivers who are strapped in their seats and condemned to inactivity, these are seconds spent swinging between hope and fear. However, they only need to fear for their position in the race, because a whole series of safety measures prevents any dangerous situations from developing in the pit lane.

The regulations are just as strict between the pit wall and the garages as on the track itself. Anyone who violates them is penalised immediately. The penalties are well known: for instance, anyone who exceeds the stipulated top speed (80 km/h in practice, 100 km/h during qualifying and the race) is fined US$250 in practice and qualifying for every kilometre per hour over the limit. During the race, the driver is punished with a time consuming drive through penalty – i.e. an additional trip along the pit lane without stopping.

In contrast to the hectic activity in Formula 1, regular pit stops give normal car drivers on relatively long journeys a chance to recover and relax. “Although no crew of mechanics looks after the car, the driver has the privilege that he can get out and stretch his legs,” said Dr. Christoph Lauterwasser from the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT). There’s another difference from Formula 1: changing drivers is not only permitted but is even urgently recommended, especially on holiday trips. The AZT expert: “If you give yourself regular breaks, you’ve definitely chosen the right strategy.”

Team action

The pit lane in the Formula 1 is divided into two driving areas: the part along the pit wall is the “fast lane”, and the other in front of the garages is the “inner lane”. The pit crew are only permitted to work on the cars in a specified area of this latter lane and can only enter the pit lane for this purpose. After completing their work, they must immediately withdraw into the garages. The pit lane also plays an important role in the starting procedure of each race. For instance, anyone who does not manage to drive onto the track at least 15 minutes before the start of the warm-up lap or to be at his starting position at least five minutes before the warm-up lap must start the race from the pit lane. He must wait at the end of the pit lane until the entire field has driven past after the start before starting his race.

There is also a great deal going on in the pit lane during the race, because this season tyre changes are permitted once again. They are often closer and more exciting than the events out on the track. It is very difficult to overtake on most of the circuits, so the teams have to give their drivers the decisive fractions of a second they need to get back on the track ahead of a rival with fast and well-timed pit stops. Every race strategy stands or falls with the pit stops. So they are not only a thrilling spectacle at the edge of the track, but also make the races more interesting and more exciting for the fans.

The teams set up their control centres by the pit wall: high-tech tents with computers, monitors and radio antennae. During the race, the teams pull all the threads from here, and this is where team bosses, chief engineers, race engineers and strategists make all the important decisions. They are the most exclusive box seats in Formula 1.

“Silverstone is one of the last tracks for drivers – it’s demanding and tough and has ultra-quick corners like Becketts, where you have to pluck up all your courage to drive through at full speed. After years of standing still, this traditional track is now finally going to be adapted to international standards, and I hope that applies not only to the spectator capacity but also to the safety. Even so, the tricks of the weather and the unpredictable wind will make sure that Silverstone will always be a very special challenge.”