FIA Clarify Pit Exit White-Line Rule

The FIA issued a statement this morning, clarifying the rule of crossing the white line when exiting the pitlane.

Some confusion arose two weeks ago at the Hungarian Grand Prix, when some drivers looked to cross the striped white line at the pitlane exit during the race, but none was penalised. In contrast, several drivers - including World Champion Michael Schumacher - received a drive-through penalty for crossing the white line in Magny Cours, during the French Grand Prix.

"The white line is intended to ensure that cars leaving the pits are not driven directly on to the racing line whilst travelling at a speed significantly slower than other cars already on the track," the FIA said in a statement.

"At some circuits, such as those in Imola and Budapest, no line was deemed necessary as drivers leaving the pits have no incentive to drive directly on to the racing line as it is likely to be slower to do so. As usual Teams were briefed accordingly by the Race Director."

The FIA also said the issue was discussed at the team managers' meeting, on Thursday, stating that "at the Belgian Grand Prix drivers must stay to the right of the white line in the centre of the track which stops at the second Safety Car line (in this case approximately 100 metres after the first corner)."