ASN Safety Bulletin #12 Flying Finish and Stop Control

The finish area of a hill climb or rally stage can be spectacular for fans but it can also be dangerous if not managed correctly. When cars are approaching at high speed and decelerating to a stop the risk that one can lose control cannot be overlooked. If a competitor lifts rapidly off the throttle as soon as they pass through the Flying Finish ‘gate’ this can affect the balance and grip their car has. Any need to negotiate a corner or crest when the crew may have ‘switched off’, and with a potentially unbalanced car or lower grip level than they experienced during the stage, can pose a risk for an accident so the location needs careful consideration.

We therefore remind you of the following recommendations:

Flying Finish (FF)

•   The location of the Flying Finish should not pose a challenge or test to the competitor.

•  It should be straight and not have a corner immediately after the finish line. 

•   There should be at least 200m from the FF ‘gate’ to the Stop Control (SC) to allow the competitor to come to a halt without having to slow or brake excessively. 

•   There should be no spectators between the FF and the SC.

•   There should be no parked between the FF and the SC.

•   The timing marshals at the FF need to be in a protected area to be able to record the time of the car going past and not have any risk of being hit by flying stones or an errant car. 

•   Whilst they need to be level with the finish line of the stage, they need to be on the inside line of whichever direction the rally cars will take. 

•   They need to be on higher ground than the road and at least 3 metres back from the edge of the stage.

•   It may not be possible to have access for a vehicle at the Flying Finish location.

•   In essence, the road between the FF and SC should be considered the same as the competitive section of special stage or course.

Stop Control (SC)

•   The SC must have fire extinguishers at hand should they be required for any situation when a car arrives at this location.

•   The SC should not be positioned within 150m of any main or adjoining road that is not closed for the competition.

•   On some events the SC can be busy with media looking to get quotes from the crews as soon as they complete the special stage. 

•   The marshals should outline how they want to work with the media before the cars arrive so that everyone can conduct their duties safely and efficiently.

•   In addition, spectator control needs to be well planned with sufficient space for fans to get a glimpse of their heroes while still remaining at a safe distance from the cars themselves.

Stage Access

•  The access to the stage finish should be closed 30 min before the first competing car is due to ensure there are no spectators moving on the stage itself.

•   It is important that organisers put in place a proper and safe pathway to circulate spectators before this closing time. 

•   This same process should apply at the stage start as well. 

You can view the Rally Safety Guidelines here:

https://www.fia.com/rally-safety

You can view the Hill Climb Safety Guidelines here: 

https://www.fia.com/hill-climb-safety

Social Media Post

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It is important that drivers and organisers in Rally and Hill Climb events are aware of the safety protocols for Flying Finish and Stop Control. Ensure your event meets the correct criteria for these by following the relevant guidance and regulations here: 

#FIAVisionZero

Best regards,

FIA Safety Department

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To read the other articles about the ASN Safety Bulletins, please visit the FIA website. You can also read by clicking here.