KEY POINTS:
Even for motorsport fans, some of the words and phrases used in international events can be a little confusing.
Here is a glossary of terms and a brief explanation of what they mean,
particularly pertaining to the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. Powered by
Ferrari,
of course.
A1 TEAMS
The folk taking part in each round of the series. Each country's team starts with A1 Team and then the nation's name.
A1GP WORLD CUP OF MOTORSPORT
The series where countries as opposed to manufacturers or private
teams race against one another.
THE CAR
A single-seater built in conjunction with Ferrari. All cars were designed, built and owned by A1GP to be used by A1 Teams at each event.
DEVELOPING NATIONS
Those countries determined by A1GP as being new to motorsport. They are
China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Lebanon and Pakistan.
FEATURE RACE
The main event of a race weekend begins with a standing start and lasts no longer than 69 minutes, plus one lap. Each team must make two compulsory pit stops where all four tyres are changed. The window
for the first pit stop is between laps eight and 16; the second stop is
announced 40 minutes before the start of the race.
FIA
Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body of
motorsport worldwide.
FORMATION LAP
The lap of the track by the cars immediately before they form up for the race proper.
GRID
The area on the track where the cars start from, in the order of their qualifying times.
PACE CAR
The official car that leads the Sprint race for the rolling start.
PADDOCK
The restricted enclosure at the circuit which includes team garages and private team hospitality areas.
PANGAEA
A1GP's premium hospitality facility at each race event.
PARC FERME
The enclosed area where cars are kept for inspection by the official scrutineers at the end of a race.
PIT LANE
The area by which the cars access the pits and access and exit the track.
PIT STOP
When a car returns to the pits for the team to work on it or change tyres.
PIT(S)
The area by the track where team garages are located.
POWERBOOST
A button on the steering wheel that provides short bursts of increased power. Each driver is allowed to use the button a predetermined number of times in a race.
ROLLING START
A rolling start occurs when a car is moving at the moment when the timing of a race begins or the green flag drops at the start finish
line as the cars approach it.
ROOKIES
Drivers who have competed in no more than six races (either Sprint or Feature) in any A1GP season and have not competed in Formula One, GP2, Formula Nippon or IndyCar (subject to prior permission from A1GP).
SCRUTINEER
The person who carries out the mechanical and technical inspection
process to ensure the car complies with regulations.
SCRUTINEERING
The inspection process of cars by the technical delegate and scrutineers.
SHOOT-OUT
A one-day shoot-out session which may be organised by a team in order to select future drivers.
SIGNING ON
The procedure whereby each team and driver is required to present
documentation at the beginning of an event to register their participation.
SPRINT RACE
The first race of the weekend, 24 minutes in duration (plus one lap)
beginning with a rolling start and including one mandatory pit stop between laps 4 and 8.
STANDING START
A start from which the cars are stationary at the moment when the lights go out, or the flag drops to signify it's time to get going.
additional information: A1GP
What do the coloured flags mean?
When there's a racing incident or otherwise, there are a number of flags waved around the circuit, at specific corners or the start-finish line. Sometimes it can be confusing as to what some of them mean and why there can be different flags waved at the same time at different parts of the
circuit.
Green: The track is clear and cars can begin the formation lap, or, a hazard has been cleared up and the cars can now get back to racing speeds.
Yellow: Something has gone wrong at either the corner the flag is being
waved at, or, there is danger ahead, therefore slow down. Double waved yellow warns the driver must be prepared to stop if necessary. Either
signal indicates no overtaking.
Red: The race has been stopped, usually because a car is lying in a dangerous position after an accident or because conditions are too
bad.
Blue: Shown to a driver to indicate that a faster car is behind him and trying to overtake. A lapped car must allow a faster car past after
three blue flags, or be penalised.
Black: Shown with a car number to indicate that the driver must call into the pits immediately, usually because he has broken the rules and will be disqualified.
Black with an orange disc: Shown with a car number to indicate there's a
mechanical problem and must return to the pit immediately.
White: Warns of a slow-moving vehicle on the track, such as a tow truck or safety car.
Chequered: Shown to the winner and then to every car to cross the finish
line to indicate the end of the race.