Flags and lights

During the MotoGP Brno race and the free practice sessions, marshals at the various points around the circuit utilise a range of flags and warning lights to signal the different situations occurring to riders. Do you know what they mean?

CHEQUERED FLAG indicates the end of the race or of the practice session.

RED FLAG is shown when it becomes necessary to stop a practice session or the race. All drivers are required to slow down immediately and proceed to enter the pit lane.

BLUE FLAG is waved as an indication to a driver that he/she is about to be overtaken. The driver concerned must allow the following car to pass at the earliest opportunity, paying attention to avoid sudden path changing or brakes.

GREEN FLAG indicates a green light during the formation lap of a race.

With the YELLOW-RED STRIPED FLAG, the drivers are warned that the asphalt could be slippery due to the presence of oil.

YELLOW FLAG indicates a danger, usually due to an accident. If simply shown, overtaking is not allowed; if also waved, it means to slow down too.

WHITE FLAG indicates to the driver that a very slow vehicle is on the track, usually an ambulance or a recovery vehicle.

BLACK FLAG WITH ORANGE DISK is shown next to the number of the driver that must exit the racetrack and immediately enter the pit-lane, due to some mechanical problem.

BLACK FLAG is shown next to the number of the driver that must exit the racetrack and immediately enter the pit-lane, due to a penalty.

RED LIGHTS are switched on at the start line for between two and five seconds to start each race. 'The lights go out' is, therefore, a favourite phrase for commentators to indicate that a race has started, as this is the signal to riders that racing has begun.

At the end of each practice session and warm-up, a red light will be switched on at the finish line.

GREEN LIGHT must be switched on at the pit lane exit to signal the start of each practice session and warm up, the start of the sighting laps and the warm-up lap.