Practice and qualifying are essential steps in the race weekend process, as they allow drivers to set the fastest lap time possible and start higher up the grid. However, for new drivers, the main priority should be to get a feel for the car and the circuit, and build up confidence. As you gain experience, you can focus on consistency and speed.
When it is time for the next session, you will hear an announcement over the pit lane and paddock PA system calling for all cars from your championship to head to the assembly area. It is important to be ready to go as soon as you hear the call, as the timetable may be running behind or ahead of schedule. When heading to assembly, marshals will direct you where to go and park your car. This is also where the noise test will be conducted, so make sure your car is prepared.
When it is almost time to head out on track, the marshals will call for all drivers to be in their cars and ready to go. You must make sure all of your racing gear is on and secured correctly and that you are firmly strapped into your race seat in the car. Once the marshal at the exit gives the signal, you will head down the pit lane and wait for a green flag to start your session.
Qualifying sessions typically last 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the championship and the timetable. You must complete at least three laps in order to successfully qualify for a race. In case of a car problem, mistake, or incident that prevents you from completing three laps within the session, you may be allowed to complete your laps during the lunch break or another championship’s qualifying session, provided it is permitted by the clerk of the course.
After the session, you will be directed into the pit lane and straight into parc ferme, where you are not allowed to do anything to your car until you are allowed to leave and head back to your garage or paddock space. You can pick up a copy of the timing results from race admin or your coordinator to find out where you placed in the session against everyone else.
- Practice and qualifying are essential steps in the race weekend process, as they allow drivers to set the fastest lap time possible and start higher up the grid.
- New drivers should focus on getting a feel for the car and the circuit, and building up confidence.
- When it is time for the next session, you will hear an announcement over the pit lane and paddock PA system calling for all cars from your championship to head to the assembly area.
- When heading to assembly, marshals will direct you where to go and park your car. This is also where the noise test will be conducted.
- You must make sure all of your racing gear is on and secured correctly and that you are firmly strapped into your race seat in the car before heading out on track.
- Qualifying sessions typically last 15 or 20 minutes. You must complete at least three laps in order to successfully qualify for a race.
- In case of a car problem, mistake, or incident that prevents you from completing three laps within the session, you may be allowed to complete your laps during the lunch break or another championship’s qualifying session.
- After the session, you will be directed into the pit lane and straight into parc ferme, where you are not allowed to do anything to your car until you are allowed to leave and head back to your garage or paddock space.
- You can pick up a copy of the timing results from race admin or your coordinator to find out where you placed in the session against everyone else.