Photo: Zak Mauger/FIA Formula 2
Formula 2 will use rolling starts at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone in order to prevent a repeat of the problems experienced at the beginning of races so far this season.
Numerous drivers have experienced difficulties with the clutch on the new-for-2018 F2 car, with championship leader Lando Norris one of the latest to be affected when he stalled in the Paul Ricard feature race last weekend.
The FIA has taken the decision to mandate rolling starts based on the conclusions from the practice starts that were added onto the end of Friday morning’s practice session at the Red Bull Ring.
A statement from F2 said: “As the 2018 F2 season is currently in the middle of a triple header where making validated changes is difficult, the FIA has decided that for safety reasons the Formula 2 formation laps of Rounds 6 and 7 at Spielberg and Silverstone will start behind the Safety Car and follow procedures set out in Article 39.16 of the F2 sporting regulations.”
The safety car will lead the field for the formation lap before returning to the pit lane, at which point the leader will dictate the pace.
?This is not an ideal situation, but the drivers? safety is a top priority,” said series CEO Bruno Michel.
“As we do not have the time to test and properly validate a permanent fix to the starting issues what the FIA has decided is definitely the safest decision.
“This will also give us enough time to work on a solution to the problem and return to a safe and normal situation for Budapest and the remaining of the season.”