Steiner recommends 'restart zone' to avoid rolling start crashes

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Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes the designation of a 'restart zone' at F1 tracks could minimize the risks of a repeat of the mayhem that occurred at the restart of the Tuscan Grand Prix.

At Mugello, Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was leading the field into a rolling start when several mid-field drivers picked up the pace prematurely only to slow and produce a concertina effect that resulted in several collisions that eliminated four cars.

A NASCAR-style restart zone, where the leading driver must accelerate to gradually speed up the field, could be a viable solution for F1 in the future according to Steiner.

"The restart line was far down the straight at Mugello – and some people obviously took a chance and tried to have a run at it," said Steiner.

"I don't think anybody did anything wrong, I fully agree with that one, it was just circumstances.
"Going forward, to avoid these things, I think we need to look at where to put the restart line and maybe also think about a restart zone.

"I'm not an expert in these things, but other series do it like that to avoid these things from happening.

"I think it's worthwhile to look into it, but I'm sure it'll come up on the agenda of the Sporting Working Group."

Read also: Masi hits back at claims Mugello restart compromised safety

Following the events that unfolded at Mugello, FIA race director Michael Masi insisted the responsibility for the chaotic restart laid with the driver and not the current procedure.

But Haas' Kevin Magnussen who was part of the tumultuous clash at Mugello believes a change of process is in order.

"I think the crash happened because some drivers in front of me tried to make a slingshot to gain momentum at the restart crossing the line," said the Dane.

"They opened the gap and accelerated and then realized they had to brake again, which then kicked off the chain reaction down the field. It eventually led to some people not being able to react.

"That's really what happened. The solution has to be a change to the restart procedure otherwise I think it will happen again."

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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.