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Mercedes Tested Traffic Light Pit Stop System in Barcelona

With a new set of rule changes due to debut in Formula One in 2010, the race for seconds – either the ones gained thanks to innovative aerodynamic designing or through quicker pit stops – is getting more interesting by the day. The refueling ban was what triggered it in the first place, as pit stops in 2010 will only focus on tire change.

Under the circumstances, several teams have already debuted a series of mechanisms aimed at improving pit stop times. Williams F1 were the first ones to refer to pit stop strategy in 2010, telling the media that they've rehearsed it several times prior to the winter testing and scored some great times in the process.

Our record is 2.83 seconds,” said Williams' test boss Dickie Stanford, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Last week, during the second Jerez test, we reported to you that Ferrari had come up with a brand new quick release-and-replace wheel nut, aimed at further improving pit stop times during the season to come. Now Mercedes GP seem to have focused on that strategy also, as they debuted a Ferrari-style traffic lights in Barcelona yesterday.

Additionally, the Brackley mechanics have also practiced pit stops with mechanical quick-release jacks.

Ferrari abandoned the traffic-light system shortly after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, when a malfunction on the electronic system caused Felipe Massa to leave the pits with the fuel hose still attached to his car.
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