Race Control
At a F1 Grand Prix, Race Control is the nerve centre and lies at the very heart of Formula One, responsible for monitoring and supervising all stages of the practice, qualifying and race sessions.Screens provide real-time pictures from every part of the circuit with a sophisticated and dedicated CCTV system. This enables the location of problems to be detected quickly - and the appropriate action taken.
Pit, Paddock and Service Area
Pit, Paddock and Service Area marshals ensure that the safety regulations, e.g. regarding refuelling, are observed; direct competitors to their allotted places; guard vehicles that have been involved in an incident and require the attention of a scrutineer; check that competitors have the right paperwork to permit them to start; and generally ensure the smooth running of these important areas.
Start Line, Observers & Flag
Start Line Marshals ensure that the competitors line up in the correct place; that helmets and seat belts are on; and generally assist the timekeepers in ensuring an orderly start. Observers and Flag marshals are used at speed events to give warning to the competitors regarding incidents ahead; other competitors requiring to overtake, etc. The observers report to the Clerk of the Course on any dangerous driving and how significant incidents happened and were dealt with.
You can be a Marshal
Marshalling is for anybody who is interested in and wants to be involved in motorsport. You don’t need any special skills or qualifications to start, just common sense and a reasonably developed sense of self-preservation.
Rescue, Recovery and Response
Rescue Units are manned entirely by unpaid volunteers and all crew members are required to hold current Marshallicenses, and in some instances have added to this basic requirement by taking additional recognised emergency aid courses, such as First Aid, etc. Recovery Units need volunteers to train for the recovery of damaged vehicles.