Two mandatory pitstops, tire distance limits proposed for 2014 F1 season - MotorSportsTalk

A pair of potential regulation changes could have a major effect on Formula One race days, if they are accepted by the F1 commission and the World Motorsport Council.

As first reported by Autosport, the new proposed regulations – which according to them have been “tabled for discussion” at next month’s F1 Strategy Group meeting – include the provision that each driver must stop at least twice for new tires during the race.

Additionally, drivers would not be allowed to race the “prime” tires for more than half of the race distance, and the “option” tires for more than 30 percent of the race distance.

The obvious consequence from both proposed rules would be a reduced emphasis on tire strategy for teams, and that could mean more full-throttle racing instead of drivers simply running around trying to stretch out their Pirellis.

On the other hand, you get the sense of micro-management with these rules, which goes against racing’s inherent “anything can happen” nature. The rules would also potentially put the teams in a tougher spot by giving them less ideas to choose from.

This wouldn’t be the first time F1 tried their luck with pit stop and tire regulations. In 2010, it was mandated that the top ten drivers on the grid must start each race on the same tires they qualified on.

Additionally, three years earlier in 2007, new rules at the time compelled drivers to start using both tire compounds in each race.

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The IndyCar Series has re-signed NTT as its title sponsor in a multiyear agreement starting in 2024.

NTT, a global information technology and communications company based in Japan, became the series’ title sponsor before the 2019 season after starting as a sponsor of the No. 10 Dallara-Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.

NTT Data (a subsidiary of parent company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp.) will remain the official technology partner of IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Brickyard weekend.

With the extension, an IndyCar spokesman said NTT would become the second-longest title sponsor in series history. The longest title sponsor was PPG from 1980-97 (under the CART sanction of the Champ Car Series).

NTT replaced Verizon, which was IndyCar’s title sponsor from 2014-18 after IZOD from 2010-13.

“NTT is an excellent partner across our enterprise with strong expertise and a deep commitment to our sport,” Penske Corp. chairman and IndyCar owner Roger Penske said in a release. “From Smart Venue technology at the Racing Capital of the World to the reimagined Series mobile application, NTT is transforming the fan experience in new and innovative ways. We look forward to a bright future together.”

NTT has used artificial intelligence-enabled optical detection technology at IMS to provide information to the track’s operations and security teams, helping improve fan traffic flow and safety, the track said.

“IndyCar is a great partner for NTT Data because of our shared commitment to driving innovation, increasing sustainability and delivering amazing experiences,” NTT Data CEO Kaz Nishihata said in a release. “We also appreciate how IndyCar is so diverse, with drivers from 15 different countries, and races that range from short ovals and superspeedways to road and street courses. It’s both an incredible sport and a wonderful example for our world.”

NTT also has been instrumental in helping redesign the IndyCar app and providing more race and driver data for use in NBC Sports’ broadcasts by utilizing 140 data points from every car in the field.

“NTT is fully invested in the development and growth of our sport and has already established a terrific track record in our industry with problem-solving capabilities and access to top talent and tools,” Penske Entertainment president and CEO Mark Miles said.

Said NTT Data Services CEO Bob Pryor: “We’re thrilled to continue our collaborations that enhance and expand the fan experience for motorsports and serve as proof points for data analytics, AI, and other innovative digital technologies. For more than a century, this racing series has pioneered innovations making driving safer for everyone, and by continuing this relationship, we will accelerate the pace of innovations and new technologies, particularly related to sustainability that ultimately can benefit organizations, communities and individuals around the world.”

Starting as a Japanese telephone company, NTT grew into a $100 billion-plus tech services giant with U.S. operations based in Plano, Texas.