Sporting FAQ¶
Sporting Questions
Teams with questions concerning the Sporting Regulations should send them by email to didi.cazzago@ext.sro-motorsports.com and jacquie.groom@sro-motorsports.com. Answers will be posted on the messaging app and this website so that all teams can see them.
Please note that this is our interpretation of the regulations, checked where appropriate with the race director or technical director but not validated in any way by the event Stewards. Competitors must therefore understand that this is provided for information purposes with the intention of assisting them, but it does not over-ride or supplement any Sporting, Technical, Supplementary or other Regulation and it remains the competitor’s sole responsibility to ensure that they are in compliance with the regulations at all times.
This is being updated with the questions from 2026.
What are the rules about loosening belts ?
You are allowed to loosen the tension in the belts in accordance with Article 27.13 when you are in the pit lane (not on track, not in the pit entry)
The possibility of a long FCY without SC was mentioned ?
As long as the track temperature is over 30°, it will be possible to go straight to green after a maximum of two laps. The Race Director will announce if we will go straight to green. If longer than two laps, it will go to Safety Car.
How are the two laps for a long FCY counted ?
When we get to zero, a countdown clock is started with 10 mins 50 seconds, ie two laps at 80 km/h
Is the maximum refuelling time of 3 seconds only valid for an emergency stop or can it be done at any time ?
It is an option at any time. You have a minimum time and a maximum time, but nothing in between.
At the 6 and 12 hour points, do you have to cross the finish line ?
The results will be based on a virtual chequered flag when the leader crosses the Line after 6 and 12 hours of racing.
For pit lane starters, is there a predetermined starting order? Do we need to follow any rules ?
This will be published by the Stewards with the starting grid. There is no specific procedure
When does the driving stint start ?
See 18.5 a) - The first driving stint will be counted from the start of the race until the first time that the car crosses the pit lane entry line. For the final stint, the last driving stint will be counted from the last time the car crosses the pit lane exit line until the end of the scheduled duration of the race. For all other driving stints, the time duration will be counted from the time the car crosses the pit lane exit line until the next time the same car crosses the pit lane entry line. The stint time will be rounded down to the nearest minute.
If the light at the end of the F1 pit lane is red, can we cross it anyway ?
No, the light will only be red if the kink between the two pit lanes is blocked. So you need to stop.
When will the pit exit be red when the SC is out ?
It will go red when the SC is at the start line in Endurance, and will go green when the last car of the pack is parallel to the pit exit light
Is there a repeater light in the pit lane if the pit entry is closed ?
No, there is no repeater. Barring incidents, the pit entry will be closed only during short FCY or wave-by procedures, and it will be announced by radio and on the screen.
If we are following the SC through the pit lane, can we stop at our box for a pit stop ?
Yes.
What is the starting procedure for the race ? Which way do we go with the trolleys ?
All the information is on the latest version of the detailed timetable.
Can you reconfirm the maximum continuous driving time?
Three times the EDS, each stint rounded down. So 3x65 mins 59 seconds
If we are ordered to go through the pit lane under FCY, does this reset the stint time ?
No, like going through under SC or performing a drive-through, this time is counted in your stint. Article 18.5 d) will be amended by sporting note before the race.
If we want to perform Other Operations in the pit lane, do we have to wait until both tyres and refuelling have finished ? Or can we start when at least one of the two is finished ?
You can only start other operations when both refuelling and tyre changes have finished. Otherwise, while refuelling, you can only do what is listed in the article.
If the EDS applies further to an FCY, and if there is another FCY, do we need to respect the 65 min 59 seconds or do we get another extension ?
You have to respect the EDS. There is no extension on an extension.
Is it allowed for a mechanic to clean the radiator grille with an air hose ?
No tools are allowed to be used in the pit lane (with the exception of brake change operations) .
Can brake changes be carried out in the pits or do they have to be done in the pitlane?
You can do brake changes where you prefer, inside or outside the box, but if you do them in the pit lane you need to follow the full rules in art. 223.4
For the technical pitstop, can wheels be reassembled in the box? If so, which armbands can push the car out of the box?
In the box you can do what you want, so this includes putting the wheels back on if you so wish. ⅘ mechanics depending on F1 or Endurance can push the car - we don’t care the armband, but course not the car controller.
If we finish our technical pit stop early and push the car outside is it okay for it to stay at 45 degrees for circa 30 seconds before it is released?
You can bring the car out but it must be parallel before restarting
in Art. 223.4, can you confirm that always all 4 tyres have to be removed from the car also in case that only two brakes will be changed?
Yes – you have to follow the full procedure
What is the procedure with the 4th mechanic that would be allowed to carry out “other operations” during any standard pitstop (e.g. cleaning the windshield, etc…)
the 4th mechanic has to finish his “other operations” before the brake change operation can start
Can a team choose to abort the Technical Pit Stop, for example in case of a red flag ?
Yes, but then you have to do it again.
Are air tools or electric tools allowed during the technical pitstop, for the purpose of changing brakes?
Only pneumatic tools are authorised in the pit lane.
Is it allowed for the mechanics to wear Kevlar gloves during the technical pitstop, either on their own or over their fireproof gloves?
Yes, this is allowed
Is it allowed for the mechanics to remove their gloves when performing delicate work in the pitlane during the race, either during or after refuelling has been completed?
No, pit lane rules state gloves on
If the race is red flagged during a technical pitstop operation, will the pitlane counter also stop at the moment the red flag is called so the team is aware of the time remaining for that pitstop when the race is resumed?
No, teams will have to keep track of this themselves
Can the mechanics wait next to the car with skates while the car is being refuelled, doing no other “work” ?
Yes, it is allowed, the mechanics can start to work once the refueller is behind the line.
Can you confirm that the wheels may be off the car when it is pushed into the garage ?
Wheels can be off, but refuelling need to be always the first operation.
Can we adjust tyre pressures in the pit lane with a little air bottle on a small trolley on the working area ?
No, this is tools in the pit lane, the only exceptions refer to the tools allowed by the regulation,(i.e. gauge for tyre pressure or the use of pneumatic screwdriver during the brake operation), for all other operation no tools are allowed in the working lane,
During the technical stop, can the Car Controller stay in the working lane?
The Car controller can always stay, they are not counted as they can’t touch the car. They are there for security
Does the driver change need to take place before the brake operation in the technical pit stop ?
The driver change can take place at any point in a pit stop.
Pit stop personnel includes a data technician without an armband to change the data card – can a mechanic with a red armband take care of that as well?
The mechanic with a yellow or green armband can take care of the data card as long as he is authorized to be in the working zone at that time.
Is there any tolerance on FCY ?
No, FCY speed is 80 km/h no tolerance
How long will the FCY stay in operation for a long FCY ?
There is a countdown in race control allowing all cars to finish their FCY stops, for two laps.
Can the race director inform the teams two laps before the FCY is due to end
No, this is not possible
How much fuel is authorized during an Emergency Pit Stop?
3 sec of fuel
What is the minimum to reset the stint time
stop,engine off engine on, go,
In case of a red flag, what happens if a car decides to leave the grid for the pit lane after the 10-minute countdown?
You are considered as a car that entered after the red flag was shown.
What is the penalty for breaking parc fermé in case of red flag ?
This would be a Stewards Decision
What is the minimum continuous driving time
This is declared in Sporting Note 1 as 3 x EDS where each stint is rounded down.
If on our Final Stint: If we are short on Fuel on the Last Stint, are we allowed to stop the car right after checked flag?
This would be up to the stewards
In a red flag situation, at what moment in restart procedure will Parc ferme conditions be lifted for those cars that started technical Pitstop before red flag?
Parc fermé will be lifted for all cars at the same moment. But the car must remain in the pit lane for the remaining time of their technical pit stop from the time the race restarts behind the SC.
With two formation laps, when will pit-lane starters be released ?
At the end of the first formation lap, ie to join the second formation lap after the clock has started.
Must the car be parked parallel in the pitlane after the technical pitstop or is 45 degrees nose out also allowed before entering fast lane?
It’s parallel in the pit lane …
Is the car controller allowed to push the car into garage for technical pitstop, as soon as the car has crossed the white line into garage?
Once the car is over the line into the team’s garage area it’s up to the team
27.11 c) says that after a Stop-and-Go penalty the use of an external starting device would be allowed. How does this work ?
this is meant to use an external battery after a long stop and go, you start the car, with the jump battery then engine off, and start the driver alone without battery.
Is there a joker second on the minimum refuelling time ?
No .
Can you confirm that the refuelling hose can be connected before the car is up on jacks (as long as the engine is off, the car is stationary and earthed).
You can attach and then lift
At the technical Pitstop, are we ok to wait with Skates at the working lane? Not putting under the car, just waiting, of course only 4 allowed mecs. Just to be ready to place the Skates as soon as fueling is done.?
Yes confirmed.
After the technical Pitstop in the garage,can I place the car outside parallel without skates? So pushing with tires mounted outside parallel to working lane ?
Yes, confirmed.
In Qualifying, if a red flag is deployed, are we under Parc fermé conditions ? Can we remove the tyres from the car and put them back in the heating hut at any time or should we wait for RD instructions to do it ?
You are not in parc fermé. Article 235.4.5 on Qualifying says you can put them in a heating cupboard in case of a red flag.
In case of red flag, can you confirm there is no additional penalty if we box after the red flag deployment : Only to join the track after the end of the first lap after the race has been resumed ?
You effectively lose a lap, which is your penalty.
Can we pit after the red flag, stop the car in front of the box under parc fermé conditions, and at the three minutes, put the car in the box and begin the Technical pitstop (if we are in the window) ? If yes pit in time will be taken in consideration ou just the beginning at the 3 minutes ?
You could only start the technical pit stop clock once the race has restarted, in accordance with article 241.1. The time would start from the restart of the race until you cross pit exit."
In endurance pit lane, 5 mechanics can push the car into the box BUT when you fully (Or partially?) cross the white line can anyone else help or when you cross the red line instead ?
Inside your garage area, ie beyond the line, you have no further restrictions."
During a pit stop, when I have finished changing the tyres, can I do other operations while still refuelling ?
No, you have to wait until the refuelling is finished and the refuellers have left the working zone before starting any other operations than those permitted at that time."
Is it correct that if a car enters up until 60 Min and 59 Sec, the Stint time will be rounded down to nearest min as per Art 13.3 Suppl. Reg. and therefore it is a valid stint with the MDT of 60 minutes? ?
Yes, confirmed."
Is the data engineer allowed in the zone as a 6th member in the working area ? (4 Mechanics / 1 car controller)?
The Data Engineer is allowed to download data without performing any other task. He is not counted among the mechanics so could be in the zone with the 4 mechanics and a car controller. The data engineer does not need an armband but must be properly dressed like other mechanics if in the working zone."
Are we allowed to push the car inside the box without tyres on ?
Yes, there are no restrictions on this in the regulations."
Do we need to follow the text in the supplementary regulations or in the regulations?
The supplementary regulations override the sporting regulations. Any further changes will be in Bulletins from the Stewards or Sporting Notes from the Sporting Board."
Full Course Yellow : can you confirm there will be a minimum of two FCY laps ?
By general agreement, when there is a long full course yellow, the race director always tries to give at least two laps under full course yellow in order to allow all car to pit under the same conditions."
In the Endurance pit lane, during the technical stop, can we remove and/or place the tyres back in the car inside the garage whilst we do the technical stop ?
Once you put the car in the garage, you may work on the car as you wish (with the exception of refuelling, of course)."
During the technical pit stop with brake change into the garage, can we tighten the new tires inside the garage or do they have to be tighten/changed only in the working area?
You can tighten them in the garage."
Where can I find the official published form, to push the car with 5 Mechanics into the garage at the Endurance Pit lane?
It’s article 4.2 of the Supplementary Regulations : For safety reasons, in the Endurance pit lane only, an additional mechanic may help to push the car into the garage. This mechanic is not authorised to do anything else during that period. The team is also allowed to use a chock of wood to block the car."
During a technical pit stop, when can we clean the windscreen, change the drinking bottle etc ?
During refueling at the beginning of the pit stop you can do the operation during refueling so cleaning the windshield etc, when you start the brake change you have to follow the procedure listed in the art 39.3."
Are pneumatic screwdrivers authorised for the technical pit stop?
Yes, but you cannot bring an extra air bottle into the pit lane."
For the technical pit stop, can I adapt the procedure in article 223.4 if I am just changing two pads ?
The procedure in article 223.4 has to be followed in full. You have two options : either you follow exactly the procedure in article 39.3 to change pads in the pit lane, or you put the car in the garage to be free with what you want to do.”
When does article 33.3 apply ?
The normal pit stop procedure is fuel/tyres then other operations, including putting the car in the garage for repairs. The fuel is always at the start of the stop. However, if you have serious damage to the point that refuelling could be dangerous, you can use article 33.3 to put the car in the garage, repair and then refuel after.”
If you are in your box completing repair work and this is in the technical stop window, can you at this time also change the brakes, in order to satisfy the 5- minute technical stop?
We count any pit stop over the 5- minute mark which takes place during the technical pit stop window as a technical pit stop. So as long as you came in for the stop after the start of the 12th hour, and the stop lasts for more than 4 minutes pit in to pit out, this counts as your technical. However, if you come in with damage before the start of the window, and are still in there after the window starts, it doesn’t count.”
What repairs can we do in the pit lane ?
You can do repairs in the pit lane if they can be done without using tools. Otherwise you have to put the car in the garage.”
Is using tape allowed under 'repairs without tools' in the context of article 33.2 ?
You can use tape. But you can't use any tools such as scissors to cut it...”
Is there a limit on the brake operations we can do in 223.4 ?
As long as you follow the full procedure as detailed in 223.4 it is OK”
Do we need to respect the refuelling time when doing a technical pit stop ?
You have to respect the minimum or maximum refuelling time at any time you refuel. We monitor the time, not what you are doing.”
Is the clock on the gantry the official time?
No, the only official time is that on the timing screens.”
As we can't drive through the pit lane to reset the stint time, what constitutes a pit stop according to article 20.1 ?
See article 20. 1. The minimum is to stop in the working lane, switch off the engine, switch it on again and rejoin the race.”
Can we refuel while on skates ?
No ! Skates and refuelling do not mix !”
Which procedure do we have to follow if we have to use a jump battery to re-start the car (external assistance), while it is forbidden ?
In terms of using a jump battery to start the car, which is not allowed as the car has to leave without external assistance, the procedure to follow would be as follows, but to be confirmed by the technical scrutineers and under their supervision. First inform technical who have to send someone to supervise then use the battery to start the car. Remove the battery. Switch off the engine / car then start the car with no external assistance."
Which procedure do we have to follow if our backlit panel is reported not to be working ?
If you can repair, repair. Otherwise if you need to repair the backlit panel,you may add LED lights to see if this sorts out the problem. However, they should be fixed under the supervision of a technical scrutineer. If the number still does not show up enough, you may be called in again. And you must remove the additional lights when the backlit numbers are no longer in use."
How are penalties calculated for a short technical pit stop ?
If you do a pit stop of 4:55 or over, it will be considered as a short technical pit stop. If you don’t do another stop in the technical pit stop window of over 5 minutes, then you’ll get at least a stop and go of 5 seconds. However, if your longest stop is 4:54, it will not be considered a technical pit stop, and if you don’t do another stop of over 4:55, it will be considered you didn’t do a technical pit stop."