[954Stealth]

DMSB is continuing with a new rule this weekend: Slow zones instead of a Safety Car

How the Slow Zones

The principle of Slow Zones is very similar to Virtual Safety Car (VSC) in the formula 1, which so far only barely noticeable was used at the Grand Prix of Monaco. Under Slow Zones but you do not understand a speed limit for the whole course, but for defined areas of the race track, where applicable a specific speed limit for all drivers as a result of an incident. In the DTM that is usually 80 km / h - the race director will be given some room for maneuver. DRS and overtaking is prohibited.

The system works similarly to the arrangements for entrance to the pit lane. By means of a speed limiter must the driver immediately take out gas once they reach a displayed Slow Zone. Who is too fast, risking at least a drive-through penalty. Various means to warn the driver in good time before an active Slow Zone, including indications on the display in the car and yellow light and flag signals in question stretch. The same applies to the end of such a phase. A yellow line marked on the track is also clearly visible, where a Slow Zone begins.

Racing action and fairness by Slow Zones

The Slow Zones are one in certain situations provide, better, alternative to a regular safety car phase. The safety car is therefore not completely abolished, and in more severe accidents will still observe. For minor incidents Slow Zones should however ensure more racing action and fairness.

Racing action: The Slow Zones not slow down the cars as described under Safety Car along the entire route, but only in the relevant stretch. On the rest of the course at full throttle are still popular and duels allowed. "It all depends on what can be done and I do believe that the Slow Zones are the most sense," said BMW driver Martin Tomczyk to Motorsport-Magazin.com. As a Safety Car does not apply even during a phase with slow zone a mandatory tire change as such. Exceptions: A is already behind the first safety car line or in the pit lane when a Slow Zone is activated.

Of collision by Slow Zones?

The formula 1 had rejected an identical system and instead set to the VSC; Some pilots had assessed the danger of a collision to be too high when suddenly the car in front brakes abruptly. "The problem is that you have to brake sharply if a zone begins while the car behind you is not have to slow down", also Audi driver Miguel Molina warned in Hockenheim. "So you can potentially be taken, if you reduce the speed."


The DTM therefore relies on good communication: "The sectors are discussed with the drivers," said Manuel Reuter in an interview with Motorsport-Magazin.com. The former DTM driver assured us Hockenheim, the zones would still make sense chosen so that they would start where the drivers have to go through the route of the gas anyway. "So in braking zones, as shortly before the apex of a curve rather than on straights, where 250 km / h are driven," said Reuter.