Tape as a savior? DTM teams prepare against unsafe releases

In a bid to reduce unsafe releases and collisions in pit lanes, DTM teams have implemented a system using inconspicuous tape markings. Following a mandate for increased distance between pit stop stations at the Norisring, teams have sought additional measures to protect their drivers and avoid potential accidents.

At the Lausitzring, DTM teams utilized luminous strip stickers to create clear markers for mechanics alongside the pit lane boundary. These markings aimed to guide pit crews during vehicle releases and caution them against exiting when other cars were present.

Steve Buschmann, the team manager at Mercedes-AMG Team Winward, detailed the mechanics behind these markings: "The lollipop man sets references. These are those stickers, those tapes that are attached to the pit wall." The precision of these markings is crucial, as they define a corridor in which the release from the pit stop can occur safely.

"We define a corridor in which the lollipop must be down," explained Buschmann. "Within this corridor, a normal release would guarantee that we would drive into that car when exiting, and we mark this corridor.” This system helps indicate when a competing car is close enough to ensure that releasing their own vehicle would result in an unsafe exit based on DTM regulations.

DTM operates uniquely, as it does not grant priority to the fast lane even when a car fully crosses from the working lane to the fast lane ahead of a rival. The role of the lollipop controller, often referred to as the traffic manager, is to signal an unsafe release risk when other vehicles occupy the designated corridor. The lollipop will only be lowered if a vehicle threatens to enter this unsafe release zone, rather than signaling the best time for a driver to accelerate after a pit stop.

Buschmann expressed pride in the system: "That is the big advantage of our system." The calculations for establishing these corridor markings can leverage drivers' average reaction times, which are essential to the safety protocols of pit stops. Different teams might adopt more aggressive strategies, adjusting their corridor calculations to minimize the opportunity for unsafe releases. However, for Team Winward, a conservative approach focused on safety is prioritized, allowing them to avoid simultaneous releases that could jeopardize both their vehicle and others.

Despite these precautions, Buschmann acknowledged that complete elimination of unsafe releases is not feasible: "If the car drops and the driver is asleep - or the clutch does not work or whatever - then it is all for nothing." As DTM teams continue to refine their strategies, the innovative use of tape serves as a critical component in enhancing safety during a critical part of racing.