FIA Approves New Full Course Yellow Procedure

Photo: DPPI/FIA WEC

This weekend’s season-opening Six Hours of Silverstone will see the debut of a new yellow-flag procedure in the FIA World Endurance Championship, aimed to reduce the number of safety car periods.

The FIA has approved a new “Full Course Yellow” rule, where cars will slow down to 80 kph (50 mph), line up and maintain the distance to each other, without the use of a safety car.

The race director will still have the option of deploying a safety car for more serious on-track incidents that may result in a lengthy yellow.

The new procedure is similar to the “Code 60” rule used in events such as the 24 Hours of Dubai, where the race is neutralized without the use of a intervention vehicle. 

In addition, the ACO previously announced a new “Slow Zone” procedure for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which effectively puts a portion of the 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe under an enforced yellow at 60 kph (37 mph) for accident cleanups.

It’s unclear if both procedures will be in place for the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic on June 14-15.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John