Share

F1 to reintroduce chequered flag

Cape Town - The World Motor Sport Council has voted to use the chequered flag to signal the definitive end of a grand prix.

In the age of digital, Formula One has incorporated electronic boards along with marshal flags.

These are used to signal anything from danger with the yellow flags and lights to a halted sessions with the reds to the end of a grand prix with the chequered.

It, however, hasn’t always been smooth sailing, for the flag or the electronic board.

In 2018 the flag was waved a lap too early by Winnie Harlow leading to F1 bosses declaring that it is the electronic board that will determine the end of a grand prix.

But this season it was the board that got it wrong, a system error leading to the electronic flag being shown one lap too early.

As such the World Motor Sport Council has voted to bring back the chequered flag, and that will be the “definitive” end of a grand prix.

The WMSC also cleared the wording relating to the sampling and testing of fuel at grands prix to incorporate reference declarations as well as wording to prevent teams from covering their cars during winter testing.

The FIA want to make those events more appealing to the fans by forcing to the teams to allow those watching on to see what is going on inside the garages.

The Council also confirmed the appointment of BBS as the single supplier of wheel rims starting in 2021, following pre-selection earlier in the year.

The statement read: “A consultation phase with the teams and BBS was conducted under the arbitration of the FIA Technical Department, with some resultant minor changes to the initial specification being approved today.

“Following the pre-selection of Magneti Marelli for the fuel primer pump, and of Bosch for the high pressure fuel pump and piping by the Council on July 30, 2019, a phase of consultation with the teams, Power Unit manufacturers and the two prospective suppliers was conducted under the arbitration of the FIA Technical Department.

“Today, the Council proceeded to final appointment of the two suppliers.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE