Pit lane

The pit lane is the roadway that connects the track to the paddock. Cars enter at the end of a session, when black-flagged, or when there is a problem, and leave from pit-out when the starter waves them on. It has a strict speed limit, often around walking to jogging pace, because people work there.

Entering the pits is a procedure. Most organizations want a raised hand or arm signal well before pit entry so cars behind know you are slowing, then you stay to the correct side of the track and follow any blend line. At pit exit, you usually stay off the racing line until a certain point, again shown in the drivers' meeting.

Common mistakes: forgetting to signal, darting across the track to pit entry, or rejoining the racing line too early at pit exit. Treat the pits like a parking lot full of people, because it is one.