Wanneroo Flag Marshal Association (inc).

What the flags mean - the basics:

The flags are a vital way that marshals can communicate with competitors. Flags are used to warn drivers of various dangerous situations, changes in track conditions, overtaking or clearance to race.  We have seven (7) flags in total with us at one time.

Flag marshals must be able to concentrate for long periods of time and be immune to distractions and, most importantly, work as part of a team. There is no room for error in a flag marshal’s judgment. The competitor will react to the signals given and an incorrect signal can cause major repercussions.

Flag marshalling points are strategically situated around the circuit.  Barbargallo raceway in Wanneroo has 11 on the long circuit and 9 on the short circuit as well as a team member who is located in Race Control, where all flag points radio information to.

Each Marshal is responsible for areas either side of their track point, i.e. Flag Point 3 looks after the area from Flag Point 2 to Flag Point 4, (subject to what flag is being used).

Reasons for a flag being displayed include an incident on the circuit, (a spin, accident etc.) a change in the surface of the track, (oil, sand, debris from another vehicle) slow moving or service vehicles on the circuit, competitors about to overtake one another, or the circuit is clear and racing may resume.

Yellow Flags

Yellow Flags, (waved): Danger, incident / accident ahead – Proceed with caution. No overtaking allowed until the competitor passes the next flag point to display a waved green flag.

Double Yellow Flag, (waved): Extreme Danger, incident / accident ahead – Proceed with caution. The next sector of the track is wholly or partially blocked no overtaking allowed until the competitor passes the next flag point to display a waved green flag.

Yellow Flag, (stationery): This signal is no longer valid as of January 1st 2008.  Yellow flags are only waved at the flag point preceding the incident, unless at the discretion of the Clerk of Course, who will give instructions to other flag points as required.

Green Flag

Green Flag, (waved): All is clear. This flag is always waved at the flag point after the one that waved a yellow flag. It is displayed after an incident to indicate to the driver that the incident has passed and that they can resume racing or driving at increased speed either during a race, qualifying or practice. Once the yellow flag is withdrawn the green flag is withdrawn once the last car to see the yellow flag has past your point.

Blue Flag

STANDARD FIA RULE

Blue Flag, (waved): This is the hardest flag to use as it requires good judgment of vehicle speed and distance. It is waved at "selected" slower vehicles that are about to be overtaken, but the use varies from a Race as compared to Practice or Qualifying as follows:- 

During a Race:- A slower vehicle at or near the rear of the field is about to be lapped by other competitors while going through your sector.

During Practice and Qualifying - A slower vehicle is about to overtaken by a faster moving vehicle that is clearly on a "quick lap". This helps all competitors to maximise track position to record their fastest time. It may be that the slower vehicle is normally much quicker in a race situation, but they may be slower as they are on a warm up or cool down lap. The blue flag indicates to them to be aware and move out of the way so that all competitors are given a fair opportunity.

LOCAL WASCC RULE

8th August 2007

The WASCC has approached the State level of CAMS requesting the return of the blue flag to be used for all overtaking at LOCAL CLUB MEETINGS ONLY and CAMS have agreed to this. 

For the older flaggies out there, this means a return to the rules used nearly 10 years ago, which also involves the stationary blue flag as a prior warning.  Please see the full explanation explanation below

Blue Flag – Overtaking Signal During A Race

The blue flag informs the driver that he will be overtaken by one or more faster cars.  When the blue flag is waved, it draws the driver’s attention either to the closeness of the car about to overtake him, or to the high speed at which it is approaching.  The blue flag can be shown motionless when the faster car is still some distance away and when the flag marshal feels that overtaking will take place in the following sector.

It is not necessary to display the blue flag:

•        During the first laps of an event when the cars are still grouped together;

•        When two or more equally matched drivers are racing wheel to wheel for

     several laps;

•        When a driver is obviously aware that he is going to be overtaken

     (either because he moves out of the way, or because he signals by hand

     or by any other means);

•        As soon as the yellow flag is displayed (overtaking forbidden).

If you are unsure of the above, please speak to a senior flag marshal.

Red Flag

Red Flag, (waved): The Race has been stopped This flag is displayed when the race or practice has been stopped, normally because of an incident that is considered too dangerous to continue. The only instruction to display this flag is given by the person in Race Control, who will very clearly say "Red Flag, Red Flag, Red Flag" over the radio system. Flag marshals are NOT allowed to use the red flag without this instruction. A yellow flag is also waved at the point where the incident has taken place as a further indication to the competitors. The Red flags are only withdrawn on the advice of Race Control.

Change Of Surface Conditions Flag

Change Of Surface Conditions Flag, (stationery): Commonly known as the "Debris or Oil Flag" This flag is never waved! It is displayed when there is oil, sand, coolant or debris, etc. on the track. If there is an incident and yellow flags are displayed, a change of surface flag can be displayed simultaneously. Once the track is considered clear the flag is withdrawn.

White Flag

White Flag, (waved): This indicates that a slow moving vehicle is on the track from your sector and the next point. It can be used for a competitor vehicle or a rescue vehicle. Once the vehicle has passed by your sector the flag is withdrawn.

Other Flags not used by Flag Marshals:

All of the following flags are used by the officials at the start / finish line.

Chequered Flag

(waved): Indicates the end of the race or practice session.

Black And White Diagonal Flag

(stationery): Unsportsmanlike behaviour. This flag is displayed with the competitors vehicle number. This flag notifies the competitor that he/she is under observation for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Black Flag

(stationery): Competitor must enter Pits at end of lap. This flag is displayed with the competitors vehicle number. The competitor has been disqualified for a transgression of the rules or a stop / go or drive through penalty has been ordered.

Black With Orange Dot Flag

(stationery): Mechanical Defect. Also called the "Meatball Flag", this flag is displayed with the competitors vehicle number to indicate that the vehicle has a mechanical defect and must call into the pits to rectify it.