September 1, 2025
[Guide] Let's Learn the Rules of the Suzuka 1000km!
Running Sessions
Free Practice Session (FP): As the name suggests, this is a session for practice.Pre-Qualifying: Held as a "backup" in case problems occur during the qualifying session and the rankings cannot be finalized. In the event of such a situation, the final grid for the race will be determined based on the results of this pre-qualifying session.
Qualifying: The session that determines the starting positions for the race. All drivers are required to participate. The starting order is decided based on the average lap time of three drivers.
Race: The formation lap begins at 12:45 p.m. The cars complete one lap of approximately 80 km in a two-by-two formation. The race starts with a rolling start while maintaining this formation. Overtaking is prohibited until the start signal is given. The checkered flag is waved to the leading car 6 hours and 30 minutes after the start.
Driver Grades and Team Classes
Let's focus on the key points here!
▼Platinum
Professional drivers who hold (or have held) an FIA Super License, allowing them to compete in F1
▼Gold
Professional drivers who have participated in major single-seater championships for two or more seasons and have achieved at least one podium finish
▼Silver
Drivers under 30 years old, even if it is their first year after obtaining a license; drivers under 30 with little significant experience in single-seater cars or karting; drivers over 30 who started their motorsports career before their 20s
▼Bronze
Drivers who obtained their first license after the age of 30
The team CLASS is divided into the following five categories.
▼Pro
Up to a combination of Platinum / Platinum / Platinum
▼Silver
Up to a combination of Silver / Silver / Silver
▼Bronze
At most, a combination of Platinum / Silver / Bronze
▼Pro-Am
At most, a combination of Platinum / Bronze / Bronze
▼Am
Bronze / Bronze / Bronze combination
Search for driver grades (categories) here >>
Pit Stops and Driving Time
▼There is no obligation to change drivers or replace all four tires at every pit stop.
▼The total driving time for one driver is a maximum of 195 minutes (3 hours and 15 minutes). *Extension system applies when SC or FCY is active
▼The maximum time for one stint is 65 minutes. *Extension system applies when SC or FCY is active
〇Penalties will be imposed if the maximum driving time or maximum stint time is exceeded
▼The minimum pit stop duration is 78 seconds. This time is measured from entering to exiting the pit lane. *Time may be subject to change
〇Penalties will be imposed if the specified time is not met
▼Tire changes are allowed during refueling
FCY and SC
What is Yellow (Yellow Flag)?
An important signal to inform drivers that some kind of danger has occurred on the course.▼Characteristics of the Yellow Flag▼
The following rules apply in sections where the yellow flag is displayed.
No Overtaking: Overtaking other cars in dangerous areas is strictly prohibited.
Slow Down: It is mandatory to reduce speed.
Ignoring the yellow flag or overtaking in such sections may result in penalties.
What is FCY (Full Course Yellow)?
While the regular yellow flag applies to specific sections where there is a hazard, the Full Course Yellow is introduced when it is necessary to ensure safety throughout the entire course.
▼Main Roles and Implementation Status of Full Course Yellow▼
Occurrence of Accidents: Removal of crashed vehicles, rescue of drivers, collection of machine debris, etc.
Deterioration of Track Conditions: When the track becomes slippery due to oil or coolant leaks, etc.
Marshal Work: When it is necessary to carry out work safely on the course.
▼Main Features of Full Course Yellow▼
Unified Speed Limit for All Cars: It varies depending on the series, but usually driving at a relatively low speed such as 80 km/h is mandatory. This ensures that all cars run under the same conditions.
No Overtaking: It is necessary to drive safely while maintaining race positions.
What is an SC (Safety Car)?
▼Main Roles and Deployment Situations of the Safety Car▼
Managing Dangerous Situations: Deployed when a crash occurs and machine debris is scattered on the course, a vehicle breaks down and stops beside the track, or heavy rain worsens the track conditions.
Control of the Pack: The safety car moves ahead of the race leader and leads all the cars. This suppresses racing speeds, causing all vehicles to run in a pack at a consistent pace.
Marshal Safety Assurance: By having all cars run at reduced speed, course officials (marshals) can safely carry out their work (debris removal, vehicle recovery, etc.).
Prevention of Race Suspension: Unless there is a major accident, the race can continue safely without interruption (red flag).
▼Main Features of the Safety Car▼
No Overtaking: Overtaking is strictly prohibited in principle while the safety car is on the course.
Formation Driving: Drivers must follow the safety car while maintaining the prescribed distance between vehicles.
Time Gap Reset: When the safety car is deployed, the time gaps that each vehicle has built up are reset, and all cars form a single queue. This often has a significant impact on race strategy and can trigger position changes after the restart.
Difference Between FCY and SC
Safety Car leads the pack on the course, closing the time gaps between the following cars.Full Course Yellow requires each car to autonomously reduce speed, so time gaps are generally maintained. This minimizes the impact on race strategy and tactics. In recent years, Full Course Yellow has been adopted in many motorsports series to handle minor accidents that do not warrant deploying a safety car. It is an important measure to ensure safety without compromising the excitement of the race.
