Marshals use flags to tell you what's happening ahead. Your drivers' briefing is the final word for your day, but these are the flags you're most likely to see in the UK.
Flags
- Green - the track is clear; normal driving.
- Yellow - hazard ahead. Slow down and don't overtake until you're past it. A waved yellow means a bigger hazard - be ready to change direction or stop.
- Red and yellow stripes - slippery surface ahead, such as oil or water.
- Blue - a faster car is behind you. Let it past at the next safe place.
- White - a slow vehicle, such as a recovery truck, is on the track ahead.
- Black (often shown with your car's number) - come into the pits at the end of the lap and see the organiser.
- Black with an orange disc - your car has a mechanical problem (such as smoke or a loose part). Come into the pits.
- Red - the session has stopped. Slow down, don't overtake, and return to the pits as instructed.
- Chequered - the session is over. Slow down for a cool-down lap and come into the pits.
Overtaking
Most track days only allow overtaking in set places, often on the straights, and many ask the car being passed to signal or move over. Some days are stricter than others - it's covered in the briefing.
Good etiquette
- Check your mirrors on every straight and make it easy for faster cars to pass.
- Hold your line in corners - predictable is safe.
- If you spin or go off, stay in the car unless it's unsafe, and let marshals guide you.
- Keep to the pit lane speed limit and look out for people in the paddock.
- If something feels wrong with the car, come in. There's always another session.
A general guide. Your organiser's and circuit's own rules always come first - check them when you book.