In the high precision world of Formula 1, there is very little margin for error – and every single bit of calculation counts, especially when teams are racing for honors against one another – not to mention at times, there is no love lost between two drivers from the same team. Having said that, accidents are a very real risk in Formula 1 races, and there is always a safety car that would then come out to alert other drivers as well as make the entire race a safer experience for all. However, there are times when a safety car could get in the way, so to speak,as in a recent example when Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi crashed into a recovery tractor which was sent out for a prior accident. What if there was a virtual safety car (VSC) sent out instead?
This virtual safety car is said to undergo trial over at the US Grand Prix, where it will not favor the use of a lead car to help slow things down when the yellow flags are up, but rather, the system will rely on dashboard displays which will inform racers to remain within a given speed limit, otherwise run the risk of facing penalties should they surpass the speed limit. This particular technology is being used only in practice sessions, although you can be sure that the FIA is indeed co-operating with the rest of the teams to figure out just when would be a good time to launch VSC in actual races.
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