Question on current F1 circuits

[Broadclystboy]

Possibly been asked before.

Is there a reason why certain F1 circuits - COTA being a notable example - have the chequered flag / finish line several hundred metres behind the front start line?

At COTA this eliminates any chance of a last minute overtake leading up to the flag

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Broadclystboy

Possibly been asked before.

Is there a reason why certain F1 circuits - COTA being a notable example - have the chequered flag / finish line several hundred metres behind the front start line?

At COTA this eliminates any chance of a last minute overtake leading up to the flag

I'm sure someone will be able to clarify - but I understand it is to do with where the control line is placed, and the fact that the control line also extends across the pit lane.

So it is the layout of the pit lane that determines how far down the start/finish straight that line is - with the line having to be located before the garages.

[steve_r]

Unless they put the finish line in the braking area of turn 1, it will not make any real difference, as I don't think we have ever seen a pass in the first half of that straight. (waits to be corrected on that claim)

[Broadclystboy]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

I'm sure someone will be able to clarify - but I understand it is to do with where the control line is placed, and the fact that the control line also extends across the pit lane.

So it is the layout of the pit lane that determines how far down the start/finish straight that line is - with the line having to be located before the garages.

Thanks crmalcolm. Sounds logical although I suppose they could have two control lines...

[Greem]

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/fi...delines_v2.pdf

Condensed: the control line and the start line can be the same, but the finish line is always the control line. The control line should have a photocell-based light or infrared beam all the way across it, without interruption, including in the pit lane. The control line must be clearly visible by the timekeepers (who are usually in line with it, but not always).

At Donington, the control line is more or less between garages 3 & 4; race control is directly above it with the timekeepers' room just before that.

Each circuit is different!

[S griffin]

I think I heard it's earlier at Monza to prevent the leader being a sitting duck on the run to the line due to the slipstream. I could be wrong though

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I think I heard it's earlier at Monza to prevent the leader being a sitting duck on the run to the line due to the slipstream. I could be wrong though

A lot can happen between the last corner and the control line at Monza, this discussion immediately put me in mind of Martini and Fittipaldi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cciuTNyPyBE although even here there was no overtake

[Broadclystboy]

A belated Ta to all who responded. I shall be watching with an eagle eye for forthcoming races