F1 no-nonsense track limits ruling for Bahrain Grand Prix

New Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has clamped down on track limits with a no-nonsense ruling on day one of his first race weekend.

Track limits have been a constant source of frustration in recent years, with the definition changing not only from session to session but even from corner to corner.

The white lines have occasionally been replaced by the far edge of the kerbs as the limit, which in the past led to the drivers calling on former race director Michael Masi to grant more run-off.

In his event notes for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, however, Wittich left no room for doubt, indicating: "In accordance with the provisions of Article 33.3, the white lines define the track edges."

The relevant article in the sporting regulations dictates: "Drivers must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason.

"Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with it and, for the avoidance of doubt, any white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track but the kerbs are not.

"Should a car leave the track the driver may re-join, however, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage. At the absolute discretion of the race director a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage he gained by leaving the track."

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