Pit stop - Definition

The BAR Formula One team executes a pitstop

A typical pit lane and garages parallel to the start/finish straight at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

In autosport a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refuelling, new tyres, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, or any combination of the above. The pits usually comprise of a pit lane which runs parallel to the start/finish straight and is connected at each end to the main track, and a row of garages (usually one per team) outside which the work is done. Pit stop work is carried out by any number of mechanics whilst the driver waits in the vehicle (except where a driver change is involved).

Pit stops in Formula One

In Formula One, cars make pit stops with the primary purpose of refuelling and changing tyres. Teams sometimes also make adjustments to the front and rear wings, and conduct minor repairs (most commonly replacing the nose and front wing assembly). A pit stop involves about twenty mechanics, with the aim of completing the stop as quickly as possible. It lasts for six to twelve seconds depending on how much fuel is put into the car. However, if there is a problem (such as a fuel pump failing or the engine stalling) or repairs have to be made it can take much longer. Cars are fuelled at a rate of more than 12 litres per second. This is accomplished by a fairly complex closed system, that pumps air out of the cars fuel tank as the fuel is being pumped in. By making pit stops cars can carry less fuel, and therefore be lighter and faster, and use softer tyres that wear faster but provide more grip. Teams usually plan for each of their cars to pit one to three times and sometimes more. Choosing the optimum strategy of how many pit stops to make and when to make them is crucial in having a successful race. It is also important for teams to take competitors' strategies into account when planning pit stops, to avoid being "held up" behind other cars and unable to overtake. An unscheduled stop, such as for a repair, can be very costly for a driver's chance of success.