New Code of Driving Conduct Guidelines released

MotorSport New Zealand is pleased to announce the release of the new Code of Driving Conduct Guidelines, effective from 22 October 2025.

Adapted from the FIA’s global standards, these guidelines serve as the primary reference for Officials and Competitors regarding the application of the Code of Driving Conduct as outlined in Schedule Z of the MotorSport New Zealand Manual. They supersede all previous versions and illustrations.

Objectives of the Guidelines
The updated framework aims to ensure:

• Safe, hard, and competitive racing.
• Fairness and sporting justice for all competitors.
• Consistency in decision-making across all categories of New Zealand circuit racing.
• Standardisation of driving standards and race direction in alignment with international best practice.

Key Principles for 2025 and Beyond

• Global Alignment: All drivers will now compete under the same standards used at the highest levels of international motorsport, regardless of category or level.
• Clean Slate: All previous incidents and precedents are reset. From 22 October 2025, these guidelines form the sole basis for decision-making by Officials.
• Incentivising Skill: The guidelines promote skilful, fair, and decisive racing – rewarding proper overtaking technique while making it clear that unfair or dangerous defending, and exceeding track limits, will not be tolerated.

We encourage all Circuit competitors and Officials to familiarise themselves with these updated guidelines to ensure a consistent understanding ahead of their implementation.

You can access the new Code of Driving Conduct Guidelines here.

Any questions relating to the new Code of Driving Guidelines can be emailed to Chief Clerk of the Course, Adam Simmons, via adam@motorsport.org.nz.