Changes have been made to the first-ever use of the joker lap in the World Touring Car Championship races in Portugal, following safety concerns raised by teams and drivers.
Concerns were raised about the exit speed of cars leaving the joker lap, with the speed differential compared with those drivers on the racing line deemed to be too great.
As a result, the lanes of the joker lap have been narrowed, allowing for a slightly longer joker lap to allow the cars leaving it to get up to speed much quicker.
A statement released by the championship reads as follows:
“Following Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 at FIA WTCC Race of Portugal yesterday (Saturday), team managers expressed their concerns over the implementation of the ‘joker’ lap exit, specifically regarding cars leaving the alternative route and cars exiting the final corner of the conventional lap.
“Those concerns have been heard by FIA officials and following consultation with drivers and team managers, a proposal was made to narrow the exit of the ‘joker’ lap and lengthen the exit line by approximately 15 metres to reduce the risk of the crossing of racing lines as a means of addressing safety concerns.
“The local event organiser has made the separation line not only longer but more visible and the event timetable has been amended, following the approval of the FIA stewards, to allow for a 15-minute reconnaissance at 13h30 to allow drivers to experience the new layout.
“It has also been decided that in the event of a wet race being declared, the ‘joker’ lap will not be applied.”