Flagging

The purpose of Flagging and Communications is to provide course control by:

  • Informing the drivers, through flags, lights, or other signals, of the conditions of the course, the condition of their cars, or of any unusual conditions affecting the running of the event;
  • Establishing and operating a communications system which includes all corner stations and race control, where all  communications affecting the control of the event are conducted. Race control maintains direct communications with the Race Director or Chief Steward. Racing must be suspended if communications between race control and the corner stations or between race control and the Race Director or Chief Steward is interrupted;
  • Informing the Race Director or Chief Steward and other officials, through the communication network, of the condition of the course and the competing cars, and of any situation requiring decisions and/or action by the officials;
  • Relaying information and instructions from the Race Director or Chief Steward to the emergency vehicles and equipment around the course as well as to the race drivers and corner workers;
  • Acting to protect the lives and property of drivers, workers, or spectators in the event of an incident;
  • Maintaining a clear course;
  • Keeping the required log of all communications on the race network by a person located in the immediate vicinity of the Operating Steward.

Flags Explained

The solid yellow flag, or caution flag, universally requires drivers to slow down due to a hazard on the track, typically an accident, a stopped car, debris or light rain. However, the procedures for displaying the yellow flag vary for different racing styles and sanctioning bodies.

  • A single waved flag denotes a hazard on the racing surface itself.
  • A single stationary flag denotes a hazard near the racing surface.

  • Two flags waved simultaneously denotes a hazard that wholly or partly blocks the racing surface. This informs the driver that there may be marshals on the track and to prepare to stop, if necessary.

  • When the safety car is on the circuit, all flag points will display a White flag. When flag points are under radio control, this will happen immediately, otherwise, the White flag is displayed when the safety car comes round for the first time. This is accompanied by a waved yellow flag. Standard yellow flag conditions apply to the whole circuit; notably, overtaking is completely forbidden.

The red and yellow striped flag, or debris flag is displayed stationary at local flag stations to indicate that track conditions have changed due to substances on the track which could reduce grip or cause a car to lose control. Generally oil, coolant, small pieces of debris or sand are the hazards. It can also be "rocked" back and forth (but not waved) to indicate a small animal on the racing surface. Many organizations will display this flag for only two laps, after which the changed surface is considered to merely be "part of the track".

A mechanical black flag is a black flag with an orange disc (aka "the meatball") in its center indicates that a vehicle is being summoned to the pits due to serious mechanical problems or loose bodywork that presents a risk to other competitors.

The solid (furled) pointed black flag is used to summon a driver to the pits. It is usually associated with a penalty imposed on the driver for disobeying the rules, but may also be used when a car is suffering a mechanical failure, leaking fluid, exhibiting damage such as loose bodywork, loose hood, dragging bumper, or any other damage that could potentially become a hazard to the driver or other competitors.

There are some instances where a Black Flag will be shown inconjunction with the White Flag, this is to indicate to all drivers coming back to the pits, that there is an emergency vehicle present in the area, but their actions remain guided by the black flag rules: return to the pits.

The solid red flag is displayed when conditions are too dangerous to continue the session. Depending on the series and the circumstances, the cars are typically directed to proceed immediately to pit road, or to stop at a specific spot on the track (the closest visible corner station). In some severe cases the cars might be required to stop immediately where they are.

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Generally, when Red Flag conditions are lifted, they are immediately followed by a Black Flag requesting that all drivers return to the pits.

Guidelines on Stopping a Session

When it is necessary to stop a session, the Race Director or Chief Steward may do any of the following:

  • Order a black flag with an “ALL” sign at Start (this sign may also be shown at additional stations elsewhere
    on the course) and a black flag at all other flag stations around the course.
  • Order a red flag at Start and all other flag stations. Further instructions will be conveyed by officials.
  • Order the checkered flag to be displayed to the lead car if at least 50 percent of its scheduled time or distance has been completed.

A solid blue flag, sometimes with a diagonal yellow, orange, or red stripe (seen below) -

informs a driver that a faster car is approaching and that the driver should move aside to allow one or more faster cars to pass. During a race, this would only be usually shown to a driver who is getting lapped but during practice or qualifying sessions, it could be shown to any driver. In most series, the blue flag is not mandatory—drivers obey it only as a courtesy to their fellow racers. As such, it is often referred to as the "courtesy flag".

The white flag indicates the presence of an official car or a competitor moving at below normal speed in the section of track covered by the flag station.

When the safety car is on the circuit, all flag points will display a White flag. When flag points are under radio control, this will happen immediately, otherwise, the White flag is displayed when the safety car comes round for the first time. This is accompanied by a waved yellow flag. Standard yellow flag conditions apply to the whole circuit; notably, overtaking is completely forbidden.

A white flag with coupled red cross, to indicate medical attention is required near the marshalling post. Can also mean an ambulance is on the course (generally a red cross is followed by the race being "red flagged")

The checkered flag is displayed at the start/finish line to indicate that the race is officially finished. At some circuits, the first flag point will display a repeat checkered flag (usually on the opposite side of the circuit). Upon seeing the checkered flag and crossing the finish line, drivers are required to slow to a safe speed, and return to their garage or the paddock.

Flagging Roles

The number, location, and staffing of corner stations must assure that the entire course is can be seen at all times and that areas of the course not immediately visible to oncoming race cars are covered.

Corner stations will be located according to the following criteria:

  • the corner personnel have a clear view of the area to be covered
  • the oncoming drivers have maximum visibility of the flags and corner personnel
  • corner crew have maximum protection from out of control automobiles

The yellow flag must be displayed when a corner worker or other personnel move to a less protected or unprotected area.

Corner stations should be staffed with at least 4 people: a flagger, a communicator, a safety response, and a corner captain in charge of the station. If necessary, stations may be staffed with a minimum of 2 people. At least 20 percent of the Flagging and Communications personnel should have experience in fighting

The Starter controls the competing drivers by conveying to them the orders of the Race Director or Chief Steward. The Starter shall be stationed in a position that will provide maximum visibility to the competing drivers. The Starter shall have immediate communication with the Race Director or Chief Steward. The Starter must be equipped with a complete set of flags required by the venue or organization.