Horner wants clarity on 'line or box' starting position

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Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner has requested that the FIA clarify where drivers must line up their car on the starting grid following Sebastian Vettel's own interpretation of the rules.

The Ferrari driver lined up his Ferrari outside and to the left of his grid box yesterday at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix, in a bid to avoid wet patches on the run down to Turn 1.

The scheme didn't really pay off as poleman Lewis Hamilton stormed off the grid ahead.

Vettel did find himself under investigation by the stewards however although ultimately they gave the German a pass and did not take any punitive action.

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Horner now wants clarification on the matter.

"I believe that had been previously discussed," the Red Bull Racing boss told ESPN.

"I think the one thing that would be nice to come out of it is… because it was obvious what he was trying to do – get to the drier part of the track which you can understand – but it would be good to have clarity of does a driver have to start in his grid box or not."

"Is it just a line or is it a box? I remember it being discussed, but he got no advantage from it. It would just be good to have clarity."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.