Sebastien Buemi Questions WEC Race Control Neutralisation Calls

Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Sebastien Buemi has raised concerns over the difficulty drivers and teams face in understanding race control decisions regarding the use of Full-Course Yellow (FCY), Virtual Safety Car (VSC), or a full Safety Car (SC). Reflecting on recent races in Austin and Fuji, Buemi noted that the choice of neutralisation procedure massively impacts race outcomes and makes strategic planning from the pitwall increasingly unpredictable.

The distinction between FCY, VSC, and SC determines pitlane availability, heavily influencing race results. Drivers are prohibited from pitting under an FCY except for emergency services, whereas stops for fuel and tyres are permitted during a VSC, which is subsequently followed by a full safety car that eliminates gaps between cars. At the Fuji race, Toyota capitalized on a safety car deployment caused by a major crash involving the #58 McLaren 720 GT3. Correctly anticipating lengthy barrier repairs, Toyota adjusted the fuelling strategy for the #8 TR010, allowing Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa to secure a surprise victory over the leading Alpine cars.

Responding to Buemi’s comments, Benoit Dupont, FIA Deputy Circuit Sport Director for Sport Operations, stressed that neutralisation calls are made strictly on safety grounds. Race control selects the appropriate procedure based on factors such as urgency and available resources, using comprehensive data from onboard cameras, CCTV, and direct communications with track marshals. Dupont added that while drivers may question the chosen procedures, they do not possess the same complete overview available to race control.