Introductory round

In motorsport, the introductory lap is the last test lap driven immediately before the start of the race.

The introductory lap is completed in order to avoid dropouts in the first laps of the race. In addition, the condition of the racetrack can be experienced again in the narrower sense of the word immediately before the race . A final function test of the vehicle can be carried out before the race; the tires , brakes and engine can be brought to the right temperature for the actual race . The zigzag driving on the introductory lap serves to bring the tires to the correct operating temperature.

It is strictly forbidden to overtake in the formation lap, but this depends on the regulations of the racing series. Before the start, however, the drivers have to get back to the starting position they had in qualifying . In Formula 1 , it is allowed to overtake on the introductory lap if another driver stops at the start or only gets away very slowly. Then you have to let the opposing driver overtake you again.