Rules update: cut track and time penalties

[killahead]

If you have questions or want to discuss the updated rules, pls post it here and not in the "Rules and regulations" thread.

Pit exit:

When you exit the pits, you HAVE to stay inside the pit exit line or you will be given a 20 seconds penalty (for each infraction) after the race. Time penalties are to be applied according to the "time penalties" rule.

You have the chance to autopenalize yourself by doing a drive-through within the next 3 laps or before the end of the race (whichever happens first). Not doing it, for any reason, means that you accept the time penality.


Track cutting:

There have to be at least 2 wheels touching the track AT ALL TIMES.

The alternating white-and-color part of the curbs is considered part of the track, although this definition might be restricted and/or expanded for specific tracks. These will be posted before the specific events if needed.

A driver is allowed to cut a total number of corners equal to 5% (rounded up) of the number of total race laps. Any additional cutting will be penalised with a time penalty of 10 seconds per infraction, to be applied according to the "time penalties" rule.

It is not allowed to pass outside the track. But it is allowed to take whatever action is necessary to prevent an accident. For example, if you're racing someone at Montreal at the chicane near the pit entrance and the guy in front spins in the chicane, you are allowed to cut to prevent the accident and continue your race unimpeded, but if he just brakes slightly earlier than you expected (or you just braked too late) while entering the chicane and you decide to cut and move around him to prevent a hit, there would be NO cutting penalty BUT you HAVE to let him pass you back at the first safe opportunity. Please understand the distinction between the two scenarios and don't be afraid to ask an administrator if there's any question about the nuances.

You can autopenalize for a cut by CLEARLY lifting off the gas pedal at the exit of that turn (or first safe opportunity), enough for it to be noticed in the replay (suggestion is 1 full second). Replay fidelity not being perfect in this, if you don't lift clearly enough, you can still be penalized. The choice is yours but even a "long" 1 (even 2) full second lift is still much less penalizing than the 10 seconds penalty you risk getting otherwise. Because of this, there will be NO discussion about things like "I got off the throttle but it's not apparent on the replay". It is the driver's responsibility to make it evident enough and to do it safely.


Time penalties:

All time penalties for a driver are added together and applied according to this table:

Level 1: 30 seconds or less: time penalties added to driver's last race lap time (which means you can't lose a lap due to the penalty).
Level 2: >30 seconds to 60 seconds : same as level 1 OR loss of 1 position, whichever "hurts" more.
Level 3: >60 seconds to 90 seconds : same as level 1 OR loss of 3 positions, whichever "hurts" more.
Level 4: >90 seconds and more : If classified, the driver is moved to last of the CLASSIFIED drivers (FIA 90% race completion rule). If the driver finished as unclassified (outside the 90%), he keeps his position. Any driver punished at this level also receives one race or more of probation.

If multiple classified drivers get "level 4" penalties, they are sorted according to their original finishing order and race time with level 1 penalties applied.