F1 to use standing starts after red flag periods

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Formula 1 races which are red flagged will resume proceedings with standing start in the future, announced the FIA.

The decision is one of many which came out of Tuesday's meeting in Paris between the governing body, F1's Strategy Group and the F1 Commission and which will now go to the World Motor Sports Council for approval.

Under current rules, the Safety Car leads the field when a race is restarted following a red flag period.

"In the event of a red flag period during a race, the race will be resumed from a standing start," said the FIA's release.

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The new start procedure follows this year's decision to allow for a standing start when a race begins under the Safety Car in the case of adverse weather.

The last race to use a standing start after a red flag period was the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in 2001.

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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.