F1: FIA redefines defensive driving rule for 2012 season

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The FIA published on Wednesday the latest sets of sporting and technical regulations for the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The sporting rules now clearly defines the limits of defensive driving.

Article 20.2 states : “Drivers must use the track at all times. For the avoidance of doubt the white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not. A driver may not deliberately leave the track without justifiable reason.”

Additionally, article 20.3 now clearly states what is defensive driving: “More than one change of direction to defend a position is not permitted. Any driver moving back towards the racing line, having earlier defended his position off‐line, should leave at least one car width between his own car and the edge of the track on the approach to the corner”.

Michael Schumacher defending his position against Lewis Hamilton in Monza. (Photo: WRi2)


Race stewards will have some fun defining in the heat of the moment if one driver has left enough room for his rival or not.

On a final note, the FIA indicates in article 20.4: “Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted”.