WEC Virtual Safety Car - Changes For 2024

The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has introduced new Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules, enhancing the safety protocols in this prestigious racing series. The WEC Committee, as outlined in a document issued by the WEC Committee, has supplemented the existing Safety Car procedure with the introduction of the VSC, under Article 14.6.1 of the FIA World Endurance Championship Sporting Regulations, dated 9th November 2023.

Key Elements of the Virtual Safety Car Procedure:

1. Implementation and Purpose: The Race Director can declare a VSC period for safety reasons, primarily to secure interventions around the track in the event of an accident. The VSC acts as a preliminary measure and is generally followed by a full Safety Car procedure.
2. Duration and Transition: The VSC is intended for use for approximately 2 laps before the deployment of the Safety Car. However, in situations where the nature of the incident is incompatible with the VSC, or when cars are closely grouped, the Safety Car may be deployed directly.
3. Speed Limit and Formation: Once the VSC is announced, cars must reduce speed to 80.00 kph, forming a single line. Drivers must maintain the distance to the car in front and behind, with overtaking prohibited unless a car is slowed by an obvious problem.
4. Marshalling and Flags: During the VSC, all marshal positions will display waving yellow flags and VSC signs. The marshal positions preceding the incident will wave double yellow flags, and drivers must comply with the instructions of the Race Director or the track marshals in the concerned areas.
5. Pit Lane Rules: Access to the pit lane remains open during the VSC. The pit lane exit is also open, with cars entering and exiting the pit lane allowed to overtake under specific conditions. The speed limit in the pit entry and exit lanes is set at 80.00 kph.
6. End of VSC Procedure: The Race Director will end the VSC by initiating the Safety Car procedure, lifting the 80.00 kph speed limit once the Safety Car is deployed.

Implications and Importance:

The introduction of the VSC in the WEC represents a significant enhancement in race safety. It provides a flexible and rapid response mechanism to incidents, ensuring a safer environment for drivers, marshals, and track personnel. By maintaining controlled speed limits and clear rules during incidents, the VSC system reduces the risk of secondary accidents and ensures a smoother transition to full safety car deployment when necessary.

This decision reflects the WEC's ongoing commitment to safety and operational efficiency, aligning with the series' reputation for high standards in motorsport regulation. The implementation of the VSC will be closely monitored and may be subject to further clarifications in 2024, as stated by the WEC Committee. The decision is effective immediately and applicable until further notice, with no provision for appeal.

As the World Endurance Championship continues to evolve, such advancements in safety protocols are critical in maintaining the integrity and appeal of this global endurance racing series.