Start lights

The standard start procedure for most track racing is via a series of lights. Once the cars are all in their grid boxAt the start of the race, the cars form a grid from the pole position on the start line. The... There's more..., the green flagThe green flag signals that the track is clear and drivers can race. The flag is used at the pit... There's more... is waved at the back of the fieldThe field is a reference to the full grid of cars, from pole to the backmarkers. Consider it in the... There's more... and the race starter initiates the start sequenceStart Sequence The start sequence is the procedure by which a grand prix is started. Once the grid has formed... There's more....

Five red lights come on in succession and once they are all lit the start will switch them off and the race is underway. The starter can switch the lights out at his discretion within a five second period. This is to prevent the drivers from learning the exact timing and jumping the start.