The FIA has informed Formula 1 teams of a new rule it will enforce if there are further cases of trackside fires caused by sparks from passing cars.
F1’s governing body conducted tests of alternative skid block material at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. It identified cars’ titanium skid blocks as the cause of grass fires which caused repeated disruption to the practice sessions at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix and the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix.
The FIA has told teams they may continue to use titanium blocks but it has the power to require the use of steel instead if further fires occur.
“Titanium skid blocks will remain the mandated material for the remainder of the season,” said a spokesperson. “However, teams are requested to have stainless steel skid blocks available at all events, as they may become mandatory if similar grass fire incidents occur as seen at Suzuka earlier this year.”
Titanium has been preferred to steel as the material of choice for skid blocks due to its greater durability and lighter weight.
“Additional testing of stainless steel skid blocks will be conducted at selected events throughout the season to support further evaluation,” the spokesperson added.
Attempts were made to prevent further fires at the affected rounds by cutting the grass shorter and dampening the affected areas. The success of these efforts was limited.
F1 has so far avoided the potential embarrassment of a race being stopped due to a trackside grass fire caused by one of the cars. This is likely a consequence of differences between how teams set their cars up for practice sessions, when they can use minimum fuel levels in pursuit of a single fast flying lap, and the grand prix, when the cars are carrying up to their maximum limit of 100 kilograms of fuel and drivers often reduce their speed in the fastest corners to preserve their tyres.
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