FIA Reveals Essential Safety Protocols for Managing Trackside Fires at the Japanese GP

The FIA aims to minimize the use of red flags during the Japanese Grand Prix, especially after several fire incidents over the weekend. During the second practice session on Friday, fires ignited in the dry grass next to the Suzuka circuit, caused by sparks from the cars. The strong winds did not help either, causing the flames to spread rapidly.

Even after cutting the grass shorter, two more fires occurred on Saturday. The situation escalated when driver Gabriel Bortoleto veered slightly off track, leading to another fire at the same location soon after.

In response to these events, the FIA has shared its plan to handle similar incidents during the race. If a small fire occurs and the cars are still grouped closely together, they will attempt to manage it under a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). If the cars are too spread out, they will deploy the safety car to bunch the field together. The goal is to avoid drastically halting the race with a red flag, which would stop everything.

Interestingly, race officials considered deliberately burning sections of grass to prevent future fires but dismissed this idea. The weather forecast predicts rain on Sunday morning, which could help keep the grass damp and reduce fire risk. Circuit staff have been working hard, cutting the grass even shorter and removing excess debris throughout the night.

Fire safety in motorsports is crucial, yet managing it during a race is complex. According to recent data from the International Automobile Federation (FIA), there has been a slight increase in trackside incidents over the past few seasons. In 2021, over 30% of races experienced similar fire dangers, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by racing officials and drivers alike.

To add perspective, the history of motorsport shows that safety ratings have improved significantly over the years. In the 1970s, trackside fires were much more common, often leading to devastating consequences. Today, technology and strict regulations help reduce dangers, but the unpredictability of nature can still pose challenges.

This weekend’s incidents remind us how essential it is to stay vigilant in ensuring safety during races. With teams, drivers, and officials working together, the hope is to secure not just an exciting race, but a safe one too.



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