FAQ

Downforce: An aerodynamic phenomenon used to have the car sucked onto the track surface by controlling and guiding the airflow. At a modern single-seater, wing adjustments are the main measures to reduce or increase the amount of downforce.

Pits: The garages where the cars are prepared for practice sessions and race.

Pit-lane: The lane directly in front of the garages. The pit-lane speed is limited. Those driving too fast in the pit-lane risk a time penalty for speeding.

Pit boards: Boards held over the pit-wall to inform the drivers on certain situations. Although there is a radio connection between pits and drivers nowadays, the pit boards are still an important device.

Briefing: Meeting of the race control with all drivers and one representative of every team. The participation is obligatory for both teams and drivers.

Constructor: The motor racing term for the constructor of a racing car.

Paddock: Usually located directly behind the garages. Here, you will find the teams’ service infrastructure including their motor homes.

FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile): The International Automobile Association. The FIA’s FIA World Motorsport Council – consisting of FIA President Max Mosley, Sports President Alfredo Cesar Torres, seven Vice Presidents and 15 further members – is responsible for all motorsport issues.

Wing: Aerodynamic devices producing downforce and thus allowing for higher cornering speeds. Their dimensions are stipulated by the regulations.

Formation lap: The lap all competitors complete directly before the start of the race. During the formation lap, any overtaking is strictly forbidden.

The racing line: The fastest lane at a certain track in consideration of the individually chosen cornering radius. Usually shorter than the official track length as this is measured in the middle of the track.

Parc Fermé (French.): Well-defined area at the circuit, where the cars have to be parked directly after the race and were it is checked if they are meeting the regulations.

Pole position: The top slot on the grid, taken by the fastest driver in qualifying.

Tyres: To achieve a kind of equal opportunities, all Formula 3 Euro Series cars are using the same control slicks. These slicks are supplied by Koreran tyre manufacturer Kumho.

Safety Car: A car that is entered by the race control in the case of a dangerous situation such as a sudden rain shower or the track being partly blocked by a damaged car after an accident. In this case, the safety car will take the head of the field and will lead the cars around the circuit at reduced speed. The safety car is used to reduce the danger of being forced to have a race red flagged.

Slick: Treadless racing tyre. Can be used only on a dry track surface or at minimum wetness. Slicks will start to experience aquaplaning as soon as the track gets wet.

Sponsors: Financial backers of the teams.

Marshals: Safety personnel of the organisers, display flag signals.

Warm-up: Additional (un-timed) practice session, taking place in the morning of race day. Often used for fine tuning the set-up for a last time.