04 / FIELD NOTES

Plan the stint before the start.

Use measured fuel burn and a reserve to set a stop window. Recheck the plan as conditions change.

Estimate fuel burn

Measure multiple representative laps. Note whether traffic, pace changes, or safety-car laps affected the average.

Include a margin for variations in consumption. For a timed race, check the rules for when the leader takes the flag.

Compare actual consumption to the plan. Update your stop window when fuel use, track position, or weather changes.