British F3 to try mandatory pit stops

British Formula 3 drivers will be forced to make compulsory pit-stops in the first of the three races at Rockingham next weekend. The initiative, which will hand competitors an 8-lap window in which to come in, is designed to allow drivers to practice pitting ahead of future racing series such as GP2 and Formula 1.

Race 1 in Northamptonshire will involve the pit window opening a third of the way through the race and must see the pit-stop lollipop touching a front wheel of the car. Also, no stops will be permitted during Safety Car periods. Any driver who fails to stop in the valid window will be penalized accordingly.

“We want to give the drivers the opportunity to further develop their race skills and also to give team engineers and drivers the chance to interact more on race strategy," Race Director Bernard Cottrell explained.

“The teams and the drivers will need to be disciplined about their approach to the stops, bringing additional pressures for all concerned, and that will be great training."

Should the idea prove an accomplishment, mandatory pit-stops could be reintroduced for further races this year and possibly on a full-time basis from 2011 onwards.