F1 News: FIA Carries Out New Tests Following Abu Dhabi GP Free Practice

Formula 1 is prepared to conduct a test of automatic rain lights in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with drivers participating in a post-practice trial of the new systems designed to enhance visibility in wet weather conditions.

The FIA recently worked on new software that will set off the rear red lights when the conditions on the track demand it, particularly during wet races when visibility drops significantly.

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The main idea behind the new system is to ensure that the rain lights come on as soon as race control deems that track conditions are 'Low Grip' due to the rain. Until now, drivers were required to manually switch on their rain lights, which opens the possibility of them not being activated well within time once the conditions have deteriorated.

It was mentioned in the event notes sent out by F1 race director Niels Wittich on Thursday that after Friday's opening free practice session, a short test will be conducted to check if the software works as planned. Speaking on the test, Wittich said:

"After all cars have taken the chequered flag, a Double Yellow Sector and Low Grip will be activated. After approximately 20 seconds Low Grip will be disabled. Another 10 seconds later VSC will be activated. After approximately 20 seconds VSC will be disabled."

The test should supposedly be enough for the FIA to ascertain if the software changes work without any hiccups. Once deemed successful, the new system will be implemented full-time for the next season.

The spray problem created by the current ground effect cars in wet conditions has been a safety concern for the sport, so the rain light test that comes as a part of a wider push by the FIA to improve visibility for the drivers in wet conditions.

Earlier this year, the governing body tested wheel arches to mitigate the spray problem but it gave no concrete results. Speaking in the early stages of the current season, the spray problem was highlighted by FIA deputy president of sport Robert Reid. He said:

"There is a challenge with the new aerodynamics in F1, and it's something that we're trying to solve there.

"Anything we can do to reduce the spray and increase the visibility, is going to be something that we are definitely working on.

"There's no particular solution at the moment. But, as you saw in F1, there was the first learning step towards some solutions.

"I know there was a bit of criticism, and I read it was a failure, but in any of these situations, you've got to try things. And that's exactly what we did."