Baku 2022 Pre-Race Thread

I like the Italian flag motif on the Alfa Romeos.

 

As do I

 

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-confirms-new-approach-to-pitlane-lines-from-baku-weekend/10318851/

F1 confirms new approach to pitlane lines from Baku weekend
Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has formally confirmed that drivers will be allowed to run their cars across the pitlane entry and exit lines at this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.


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By:Jonathan Noble
Jun 9, 2022, 12:26 PM
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Following Ferrari's failed protest against Max Verstappen at the Monaco Grand Prix for crossing the pit exit line, the FIA made clear that revisions to its rules over the winter have brought in a change of approach to what drivers can do.

Whereas previously drivers were in breach of the rules if they touched the lines, now it has been clarified that cars must not cross the line – which has been classified as having a 'full wheel' beyond it.

In pre-event notes issued by F1's race directors up until Monaco, it had been stated that drivers had to strictly keep to one side of the line.

But in light of the Monaco clarification, and a change in F1's International Sporting Code over the winter, Wittich has revised the message to teams and drivers for this weekend.

In his official event notes, the relevant section on the pit entry and exit lines ahead of the Baku weekend said: "In accordance with Chapter 4, Article 4 and 5 of Appendix L to the ISC drivers must follow the procedures at pit entry and pit exit."

This means that drivers can now go across the lines, as long as the full tyre does not go beyond it.

What the International Sporting Code says
The rules on the pit entry and exit lines are covered in Chapter 4 of Appendix L of the International Sporting Code.

The regulations were altered this year to move away from a rules breach being when any 'part' of a car had crossed the line, to now be a tyre.

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Fernando Alonso, Alpine A521

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Here is what they say:

4. Entrance to the pitlane

a) The section of track from the first safety car line (SC1) to the pitlane is designated the "pit entry".

b) During competition, access to the pitlane is allowed only through the pit entry.

c) Any driver intending to leave the track or to enter the pitlane should make sure that it is safe to do so.

d) Except in cases of force majeure (accepted as such by the Stewards), any tyre of a car entering the pitlane must not cross, in any direction, any line painted on the track at the pit entry for the purpose of separating cars entering the pitlane from those on the track.

5. Exit from the pitlane

a) The section of track from the end of pitlane to the second safety car line (SC2) is designated the "pit exit".

b) There will be a green light and a red light (or similar signs) at the pitlane exit. Cars may only leave the pitlane when the green light is on (or sign is displayed).

c) Except in cases of force majeure (accepted as such by the Stewards), any tyre of a car exiting the pitlane must not cross any line painted on the track at the pit exit for the purpose of separating cars leaving the pitlane from those on the track.

 

I mean he did pretty much address precisely this the other day...

"Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving," he said. "Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health. Everybody has the right to think. To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in something over the sport all the time.

"I am from an Arabian culture. I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people? No way! Never. If you look at my operation in the UAE: 16 nationalities! Name me one federation that has that many nationalities.

"On top, there are over 34 per cent women and seven religions. And even more Christians than Muslims. I am proud because it creates credibility and merit.

"But do I go and pose my beliefs? No. The rules are there, even now there are issues when it comes to - for example - jewellery, I didn't write that."

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12630737/fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayem-clarifies-stance-after-questioning-activism-of-lewis-hamilton-and-sebastian-vettel

 

Yep, I saw that.

In other words, don't bring your beliefs or ideologies to the track from wherever you came from and whatever you might think....just race.

 

MBS sets the tone here !

The risk is that activism could take over the sport.

 

What a laughably ridiculous and hypersensitive statement to make.

 

Why ?

 

FIA president clarifies Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel activism comments

After the remarks drew criticism on social media, Ben Sulayem released a statement clarifying his position.


--As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society. That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate. In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) June 9, 2022=--

 

I don't understand stuff like this at all. Why does everything need to be interwoven as if everything depends on everything. It's so silly. Go be Captain Activist and be the hero for whatever your cause is... on your own time. Not everyone shares in the enthusiasm nor the validity of everything that one person may be passionate about.

Sometimes people would just like a break from the social justice activism, the politics, and the incivility and watch a game, a race, or TV show without having [insert cause here] being thrown in your face.

 

Lewis and Russell with their "Pride" star on their helments.

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In Norris's defense, at least mental health is relevant to the sport. I applaud him for bringing attention to his personal issues and being inspirational to those who struggle on a daily basis with crippling conditions. I also like that it humanizes the driver.

 

Just your average tourist taking in the sights of old Baku . . . .

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Pah ! This modern world.

 

These fools should have a Brown star on the helmets.

 

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For the record, those are Chrome wheels

 

Let’s see how SF shytes the bed this weekend.

 

That elusive 3rd win. Going to take a miracle to get it this weekend, I think.

Oh, well, maybe in my in back yard next week. Hope that all won’t be lost by then.

 

Why — if I’m at race we are with all kinds of people who are fans. The annoyance over this is laughable. As if those emblems are covering the whole track lol. Move on it’s nothing. Mercedes can do what they want it’s their car and funding. None of their sponsors are leaving either.

 

If Charles is able to qualify again first, luck will be on our side one day I hope.

 

My response was to Ben Sulayam’s Twitter forced apology, not Mercedes stickers. They can, as you say, do what they want, and as a midfield team need the publicity

 

Wft does this LGBTQ bull**** have to do with F1??

Nothing against the people of that community, but why do they need to be acknowledged, especially in F1?

 

Because this is a global plan.

 

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