Lämmittelykierroksella

Lämmittelykierroksella is a Finnish term that translates to "on the warm-up lap" in English. It refers to the preparatory phase of a race or competition where participants engage in light activity to prepare their bodies and equipment. This practice is common in various motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1, MotoGP, and rally racing.

The primary purpose of the warm-up lap is to bring the tires and brakes of a vehicle up to their optimal operating temperature. Cold tires have significantly reduced grip, which can lead to accidents and poor performance. Similarly, brakes that are too cold may not provide adequate stopping power. Drivers often weave their cars or bikes from side to side, gently applying brakes, and accelerating moderately to achieve this.

Beyond mechanical preparation, the warm-up lap also allows drivers to familiarize themselves with the track conditions. They can assess grip levels, identify any debris, and adjust their driving strategy based on current weather or track surface changes. For the pit crew, the warm-up lap provides a final opportunity to check equipment and make any last-minute adjustments before the race begins. In some series, the warm-up lap may also be used to determine the starting grid order through a qualifying session. The overall objective is to ensure a safe and competitive start to the main event.