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FIA issues specific instructions for practice starts at Eifel GP

FIA race director Michael Masi has issued specific instructions to teams outlining the areas where drivers will be allowed to conduct practice starts for this weekend's Eifel GP.

The governing body's directives were published in the wake of the penalty handed to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton at the Russian GP where the six-time world champion conducted two practice starts on the way to the grid outside of the designated area.

Hamilton was hit with a 10-second penalty that destroyed his chances of winning at Sochi while Mercedes was handed a €25,000 fine for wrongly advising its driver to undertake the practice starts in the wrong area.

Masi 'more than happy' to listen to Hamilton's grievances

To avoid any confusion this weekend in Germany and to be better safe than sorry, competitors were provided with a specific set of instructions and photos of the exact spots where practice starts may be done.

"During each practice session, practice starts may only be carried out on the right-hand side prior to the derestriction line indicated by the white grid marking," read the event note issued by Masi.

"Drivers wishing to carry out a practice start should stop on the right in order to allow other cars to pass on their left.

"During the time the pit exit is open for the race, practice starts may be carried out after the end of the pit wall and adjacent to the orange band on the right-hand side barrier.

"Drivers wishing to carry out a practice start should stop on the right in order to allow other cars to pass on their left. During this time any driver passing a car which has stopped to carry out a practice start may cross the white line.

"Any driver crossing this line must move back to the right of it as quickly as possible. For reasons of safety and sporting equity, cars may not stop in the fast lane at any time the pit exit is open without a justifiable reason (a practice start is not considered a justifiable reason)."

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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.