F1 to reduce pit speed to 60kph in 2012

Race strategy looks set for a major shakeup in 2012, as it emerges the FIA intends to significantly reduce the pitlane speed limit.

The latest edition of Italian magazine Autosprint reports that, ahead of the forthcoming 2012 season, the in-race limit will drop from 100kph to just 60kph throughout the grand prix calendar.

The 2012 rules currently state that the race limit is 100kph, but that the speed "may be amended by the stewards following a recommendation from the FIA F1 safety delegate".

Autosprint said FIA president Jean Todt made the decision after reviewing the pit speed limits of other series, including Le Mans, GT1 and Nascar.

The change, causing visits to the pits to take considerably longer than previously, could have a major impact on race strategy this year, the magazine concluded.