Boullier finds the "pitlane in electric mode" dangerous
The Lotus Renault GP team principal fears that the absence of engine noise in the pit lane may lead to more accidents.
During the presentation of its 2014 regulations project, the FIA surprised everyone with a measure requiring cars to run in electric mode, without ignition or fuel supply to the engine, whenever they are in the pit lane, one of many measures proposed to make Formula One more environmentally friendly.
However, the latter does not achieve unanimity and some teams feel they were not sufficiently consulted on this matter by the International Automobile Federation. Thus, alongside the German Grand Prix, Reuters reported that Eric Boullier, team principal of the Lotus Renault GP team, found the concept intriguing but dangerous. The cars will not make noise and that could be very dangerous. I think there are aspects of the regulations published by the FIA that should be discussed again.
However, even though cars still pass with the engine running in the pit lane, it does not prevent incidents between a car exiting its box and another entering it. The FIA imposed a Stop and Go penalty on Kamui Kobayashi during the British Grand Prix, along with a €20,000 fine to the Swiss team and €5,000 to McLaren for the dangerous release of a vehicle in the pit lane.
