FIA's Masi warns drivers over backing-up tactics at Sochi

FIA race director Michael Masi addressed a clear warning to drivers who indulge in backing-up tactics in qualifying, insisting the practice will not be tolerated around Turns 12 and 13 at Sochi.

In recent races, and especially at Monza, several drivers resorted to dramatically slowing down to give themselves the space required for a practice or qualifying hot lap.

But the tactic created a few dodgy situations that put other drivers, barreling down at full speed, at risk.

In his pre-Russian Grand Prix notes, Masi singled out Sochi's Turns 12 and 13, located at the end of the track's second DRS zone, as specific areas where an attempt to "create a gap" will not be tolerated.

"Any driver intending to create a gap in front of him in order to get a clear lap should not attempt to do this around Turns 12 and/or 13," Masi wrote.

"Any driver seen to have done this will be reported to the stewards as being in breach of Article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations."

• Read also: Mugello gravel traps not 'one size fits all' solution for F1 - Masi

Masi also said that stewards will act against drivers abusing track limits at Turn 2, the corner situated at the end of Sochi's main straight.

"A lap time achieved during any practice session or the race by leaving the track and failing to negotiate Turn 2 by using the track, will result in that lap time being invalidated by the stewards," Masi added.

"Each time any car fails to negotiate Turn 2 by using the track, teams will be informed via the official messaging system.

"On the second occasion of a driver failing to negotiate Turn 2 by using the track during the race, he will be shown a black and white flag, any further cutting will then be reported to the stewards.

"In all cases detailed above, the driver must only re-join the track when it is safe to do so and without gaining a lasting advantage."

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