Qualifying question.

[Grant76]

Why do mechanics wear shorts & shirts for qualifying & full fire suits for the race?

Surely conditions can be every bit as dangerous?

[HTP99]

I wondered that, I guess qualifying isn't as high pressured an environment as when a race is on so therefore there is less going on?

Could be wrong though.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Same thought crossed my mind yesterday too

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Actually...do they refuel in quali making it more dangerous than the race?

[mondeoman]

Mondeowoman asked the same q last night and I didn't know the answer!
Maybe it's all just part of the show.

[davepoth]

IIRC the regs say that the pit crew have to wear flameproof suits during the race. However, there's no such requirement in practice and qualifying. I guess if you can avoid wearing that much clothing in a sweaty garage you would.

[mollytherocker]

davepoth said:

IIRC the regs say that the pit crew have to wear flameproof suits during the race. However, there's no such requirement in practice and qualifying. I guess if you can avoid wearing that much clothing in a sweaty garage you would.

How strange that its restricted to the race only.

[covboy]

Le mans and some GT regs say that EVERYBODY (crew/press/officials etc) should wear fireproofs at all times in the pit lane)

[davepoth]

mollytherocker said:

How strange that its restricted to the race only.

It's just the way the rules have evolved - I guess there's a lot more risk of fire in the race when everyone is rushing. That said they do quite a few racing style pit stops in qualifying now. Someone will look at it next time there's a fire I expect.

[Grant76]

Cheers guys, glad it wasn't just me.

[Condi]

davepoth said:

mollytherocker said:

How strange that its restricted to the race only.

It's just the way the rules have evolved - I guess there's a lot more risk of fire in the race when everyone is rushing. That said they do quite a few racing style pit stops in qualifying now. Someone will look at it next time there's a fire I expect.

Traditionally though there was no refuelling during qually but lots of refueling during the race. I guess some regulations have changed and others not caught up.

[RobGT81]

covboy said:

Le mans and some GT regs say that EVERYBODY (crew/press/officials etc) should wear fireproofs at all times in the pit lane)

And a helmet.