The FIA conducted some tests of their one during the fifth day of pre-season testing for the 2018 season. They tested the new standing start procedure which will be debuting for the first time ever in 2018.
The test was mainly focused on software that the FIA will use for the procedure, largely because the required warning lights have not been installed on the circuit yet. Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and Williams volunteered to take part in the systems test at the end of the day.
The new procedure will mean that the safety car goes into the pit lane as normal, but instead of racing away, the drivers will lineup at the starting grid. If weather conditions are too poor for a standing start, a standard rolling start will be performed instead.
The drivers will be informed which type of restart will be performed via a radio message, message on their steering wheel display and a warning light on the circuit (which was not installed at the circuit) that will signal either SS or RS for standing start or rolling start respectively.
Further tests will be conducted after the regular test hours on Wednesday and Thursday.
