13/04/2007
NEWS STORY
Officials have clarified the rules regarding what is acceptable driving behaviour over some of the low kerbs at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Much of the pre-event paddock gossip has concentrated on the new section of track between Turn 3 and Turn 6, where many drivers believe that fast lap times will only be gained by running as far over the kerbs as possible.
In the pre-event drivers' briefing, stewards demonstrated, using diagrams, what driving behaviour will earn a penalty in qualifying and the race.
Drivers can put all four wheels beyond the white track boundary line, provided at least two remain fully on the kerbing.
Should the car go beyond the kerbing and onto the run-off area, stewards warned that a penalty will likely be awarded.
Two judges of fact will be placed on the corners through the weekend and they will be supported by closed-circuit television cameras focused purely on the chicane. No cones will be placed off the track for safety reasons.
The move should bring to an end discussions in the pitlane as to what is acceptable, but the knock-on effect is that exciting qualifying action is now virtually guaranteed, with the prospect of spectators seeing drivers 'kerb hopping' to the maximum to get the best lap times.