3.15 - Overtaking

This sub-section outlines the rules that apply when overtaking another car during RSF1 events.

3.15.1

Passing is officially acknowledged when the front wheels of the trailing car are entirely alongside or ahead of the rear wheels of the leading car. The passing action is considered complete when the rear wing of the trailing car is positioned ahead of the front wing of the lead car.

3.15.2

The overtaking driver bears the responsibility for safely passing another car, while the leading driver should be mindful of the overtaking process and must also follow the rules when defending. In any passing or defending scenario, both drivers must adhere to the rules outlined in this section.

3.15.3

In general, the leading driver possesses the right to select any racing line as long as it doesn't qualify as denying sufficient "Racing Room" to another vehicle. Racing Room is generally defined as approximately the width of a car, measured from the white line defining the track edge.

3.15.4

When a trailing car has only part of its front wheel alongside the rear wheel of the leading vehicle, particularly before the turn-in point of a corner, it is generally considered that the leading vehicle has the right to choose any line. In this situation, the responsibility is on the trailing car to prevent contact between the two vehicles.

3.15.5

When the front wheel of a trailing car is completely alongside (or further than) the side-pod of the leading car (especially before the turn-in point of a corner) it is typically acknowledged that the trailing car has the right to occupy that space. In such instances, the leading driver is expected to provide adequate Racing Room to the car behind.

3.15.6

If sufficient Racing Room is provided for the trailing car and there is unintentional contact between the cars, this will be considered "side-to-side" and will be classified as a "racing incident" given that no other rules have been broken. If, in the scenario of side-to-side contact, one or more cars have to leave the track, it may also be deemed as "a racing incident."

3.15.7

If a driver overtakes another driver while all four of their wheels are off the track, or as a consequence of cutting a corner, they must slow down and give the position back. Failure to do so will result in a penalty.

3.15.8

The responsibility falls on the trailing car to abandon a move if not adequately positioned alongside the leading car while navigating a corner. Drivers are expected to withdraw from a move when their front wheels are not fully alongside or ahead of the side-pod of the car in front.

3.15.9

If a driver forces another car off-track while overtaking, they must give the position back to them at the earliest and/or safest opportunity. Failure to do this will result in the driver at fault receiving a penalty.

3.15.10

An overtake where the attacking car makes an optimistic move into the braking zone from a distance may be considered a "dive-bomb". A dive-bomb that results in damage, contact or forcing a car off the track may result in a penalty. If the move is completed cleanly then no further action is required.

3.15.11

If a driver overtakes another car by ghosting through them for any reason, they must give the position back to them at the earliest and/or safest opportunity. Failure to do this will result in the driver at fault receiving a penalty.

3.15.12

Drivers are reminded that they should use the in-game proximity arrows and their definitions to help make their decision as to whether they should go for an overtake or not. You can find out more about the in-game proximity arrows here.

3.15.13

Stewards withhold the right to swap the positions of two drivers as opposed to issuing a time penalty, if the incident occurs in the final sector on the last lap of the race only.