Formula-One flags
H. Kishie Singh

FLAGS have proved to be one of the most effective ways of communication. This must date back centuries. Armies on the march or in battle gave orders using flags. The navy has an intricate system called Semaphore. They get their message across with exactitude. When a ship pulls into port, it displays a number of flags. They carry messages like "Need doctor" and the like.

Formula One, the ultimate in motor sports, also has a series of flags to control the cars on the race circuit. No small feat because even the slowest car is moving at a speed of over 250 kmph.

The Formula- One season is upon us. This weekend will see the fourth F.1 event at San Marino.

The flags that the Race Director and other officials use on the track are reproduced here. They should help you follow the race and understand the event.

Flags 1 to 5 are used only by the Race Director and his assistant at the Start-Finish line. The first four flags may be used on other parts of the circuit when circumstances so require them.

The black flag with an orange circle in the centre is shown to inform the driver that his car has mechanical problems that may endanger him or others and he must stop at his pit. A board with the car number is shown simultaneously.

The black flag with an orange circle in the centre is shown to inform the driver that his car has mechanical problems that may endanger him or others and he must stop at his pit. A board with the car number is shown simultaneously.

The black and white flag divided diagonally is shown only once to a driver. It is a warning that he has been reported for unsportsman-like behaviour. A board with the car number is shown simultaneously.

Red flag

The red flag is shown and waved to indicate that the race or practice session has been stopped. All drivers are required to slow down immediately and proceed to the pit lane (practice session), the starting grid (less than one lap of the race) or the impound area (if the race is shortened). Overtaking is not permitted.

The chequered flag is shown to indicate the end of a practice session, qualifying session and the race.

The yellow flag is a signal of danger. If only one flag is waved, it means that drivers must reduce their speed, not overtake and be prepared to move over because there is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track. Yellow flags are normally shown only of the observation post immediately preceding the hazard. Overtaking is not permitted between the first yellow flag and the green flag shown after the hazard.

The green flag is shown and waved to indicate that the track is clear and is waved from the observation post immediately after the hazard that required the use of one or more yellow flags. It is also used to signal the start of a warm-up lap or practice.

This flag is shown to inform drivers that there is diminished adhesion due to oil or water on the track in the area. This flag is shown for at least four laps unless the surface returns to normal.

The bright blue flag is shown and waved to inform a driver that he is about to be overtaken. It must be shown at all times when exiting the pits if traffic is approaching on the track. During practice, it tells a driver to give way to a faster car. During the race, it is shown to tell a driver that he is about to be overtaken and he must let the oncoming car pass at the earliest opportunity.

The white flag is shown to indicate to the driver that there is a much slower vehicle on the section of track controlled by this observation post.

Happy motoring !