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Ferrari’s much-derided ‘traffic lights’ pit-stop procedure - one that potentially lost Felipe Massa the 2008 F1 crown - is to be given a reprieve in 2009, the Scuderia has confessed…
Ferrari has revealed that its controversial ‘traffic lights’ pit-stop system - one that arguably cost Felipe Massa the 2008 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship - is set to return this year.
The Brazilian driver was leading the Singapore Grand Prix at the end of September prior to his opening pitstop, which was botched when the lights released Massa’s car too soon.
With the refuelling rig still attached, Massa then moved off down the pitlane - the incident descending further into farce as Ferrari mechanics dashed after their car in order to detach it.
Massa rejoined the race but could only finish 13th. In the event, he lost the Drivers’ Championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.
Team boss Stefano Domenicali says after conducting a full analysis in the offseason, the system will return following some procedural and software changes.
Team manager Luca Baldisserri says with the changes in place, he is confident Ferrari have come up with a failsafe system that will prevent the car from leaving the pit area before the fuel hose is released.
