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# 규칙 · 용어

Safety car

세이프티 카

A high-performance lead vehicle deployed on the track in the event of an accident or adverse weather conditions. Also known as the "SC," when this car is on the track, all race cars are prohibited from overtaking and must follow the safety car at a reduced speed.

세이프티 카 이미지

🏆 Structured Case

Race Event

A Safety Car changed the value of a pit stop

2022 2022 British Grand Prix Silverstone Circuit Race

Late in the 2022 British Grand Prix, a Safety Car was deployed after Esteban Ocon stopped on track. Carlos Sainz used the opportunity to pit for fresh soft tyres while race leader Charles Leclerc stayed out. Sainz passed Leclerc after the restart and went on to win, while Leclerc eventually fell to fourth. A Safety Car does more than slow the race down: it can reduce the relative time lost by making a pit stop and completely change the strategic calculation.

Why this term matters

The Safety Car slowed the entire field and created a pit-stop opportunity that would not have had the same value under normal racing conditions.

Other connected terms
#Pit stop

📺 Race Context & Viewing Tips

Frequently asked questions

What happens to the gaps between cars when the Safety Car is deployed?
As the field bunches up behind the Safety Car, most of the time gaps that existed before the deployment are greatly reduced.
Why can pitting under the Safety Car be advantageous?
Because the cars on track are travelling more slowly, the relative time lost by making a pit stop can be smaller than under normal racing conditions.

💡 Related Terms

#Virtual Safety Car#Medical car#Red flag

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