F1 could introduce brake lights this season

Formula One teams are evaluating a proposal to introduce brake lights on their cars during the course of the season, this week's Autosport magazine reveals

All teams tried the system during testing at the Barcelona and Bahrain circuits at the end of last month to evaluate its benefits.

The introduction of the system is aimed at warning drivers if the car in front unexpectedly decelerates or brakes. In wet weather, the light would still function as the rear light cluster as it will divided into two parts.

"It should be helpful if a driver unexpectedly brakes in an unusual place," Red Bull driver David Coulthard told Autosport. "I can remember a few times where I've felt that the car in front has braked-tested me - now we will know with more certainty."

Coulthard's teammate Mark Webber doesn't believe the system will be very useful, however.

"I don't see a massive benefit for them personally," Webber told autosport.com in Melbourne. "I know there are a few boys that would like them, mainly because of the run to the first corner.

"After that you will just be following this thing that is going on and going off. And I don't think you would use it as a reference to help you."

The results of the tests will be discussed with drivers and teams at a later date but no decision has been taken about the device's future use.

It is believed that the earliest realistic target for its introduction would be at the Spanish Grand Prix in May.