1.1 MEDIA PRESS CONFERENCES - While competing as a driver at Invictus Racing League you may receive an invitation to attend a driver's press conference ahead of any race event(s) in the media centre. Competitors that have been requested to attend will be notified by the relevant league admin(s).

IRL encourages those invited, to participate in the driver's press conference(s) when asked to do so.

1.1.1 PODIUM CEREMONY & POST-RACE INTERVIEWS - Drivers who achieve 1st, 2nd and 3rd position in each race event will be invited to participate in the post-race podium ceremony and interviews hosted by the designated league commentator(s).

1.2 DRIVER ATTENDANCE/NON-ATTENDANCE - League admin(s) will create an attendance thread for each race event within the discord server. All participants will be required to respond, announcing their attendance or non-attendance.

Participants that are unable to attend any race event(s) are further required to inform their league admin(s) by DM; it is every driver's responsibility to inform the relevant league admin(s) directly following the guidelines below, if not it will be viewed as an uninformed absence and may risk your position within the league:

• You must personally notify the league admin(s)
• Notifications from friends or fellow members are insufficient
• Sufficient notice is required
• Notification of non-attendance must be given prior to 6pm (UK) on race day
• Drivers who have been unable to attend 3 race events will have their position in the league reviewed

1.3 DRIVER'S BRIEFING - Alongside the attendance announcement on discord, a link to a driver's briefing will also be posted. All participants will be required to attend the driver's briefing ahead of each race event. The driver's briefing will be specific to each circuit and race event, detailing guidelines for drivers as well as areas of the circuit that stewards will pay particular attention to.

Drivers are required to confirm their attendance to the driver's briefing, and their commitment in adhering to the guidelines and requirements from the briefing. Confirmation will be required within the discord server similar to the attendance/non-attendance thread.

Drivers who have not confirmed they have attended the driver's briefing will not be permitted to compete in the race event(s).

2.1 RACE LOBBIES - The league admin/host will create a lobby to host race event(s) and will invite all participants that have confirmed their attendance and have attended the driver's briefing.

The lobby will be created at the designated time of 7.45pm (UK) with the event starting at 8pm (UK). Participants are advised to join the race lobby as soon as they receive their invitation; there will be no delay/extension to the race event(s) start time.

While waiting to go to the circuit, participants are reminded not to press READY  until instructed to do so by the league admin(s). This is to ensure that all those attending the race event(s) are present.

2.1.1 LOBBY FAILURES/CRASHES/ERRORS – The league admin/host will create a race lobby in accordance with RULE 2.1. However, if there are failures/issues in creating the lobby, such as crashes/errors which prevents all participants joining or the race event is unable to start, the league admin/host will create a new race lobby.

The league admin/host will make 3 attempts to start the race event. If the race has not proceeded after 3 attempts or within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time, the race will be cancelled for that evening.

A decision whether to cancel the race or postpone until a later date will be undertaken by the site director.

2.1.2 CAR SELECTION – It is the responsibility of every competitor to ensure that they are in their designated car. Failure to adhere to this ruling will result in DISQUALIFICATION from the race classification.

2.2 FORMULA ONE LOBBY SETTINGS – Invictus Racing League will use the following lobby settings for official Formula One race events:

• LOBBY SETTING => UNRANKED (INVITE ONLY)
• PARC FERME => ON
• QUALIFYING FORMAT => SHORT-QUALIFYING SESSION (18 MINUTES)
• RACE DISTANCE => 50% RACE DISTANCE
• WEATHER => DYNAMIC WEATHER
• SESSION TIME => OFFICIAL SESSION TIME
• DAMAGE => FULL VEHICLE DAMAGE
• CORNERING RULES => STRICT
• FORMATION LAP => ON
• SAFETY CAR => ON
• ERS ASSIST => OFF
• DRS ASSIST => OFF
• FUEL ASSIST => OFF
• PIT ASSIST => OFF
• PIT RELEASE ASSIST => OFF
• GHOSTING => ON
• TYRE TEMPERATURE => SURFACE AND CARCASS (SIMULATION)

2.3 EQUAL & REALISTIC PERFORMANCE LEAGUES - Invictus Racing League operates a variety of league formats; utilising both equal and realistic performance. The Formula One lobby settings outlined in RULE 2.2 will apply to all Equal and Realistic Performance leagues.

2.3.1 REALISTIC PERFORMANCE LEAGUE - The Realistic Performance league operates differently to the Equal Performance leagues where drivers will be allocated different cars after each race event. The Realistic Performance league will use the following format:

• FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON => DRIVERS ALLOCATED CARS DEPENDANT ON PACE
• ROUND 2 - 12 CAR ALLOCATION => DRIVERS ALLOCATED CARS DEPENDANT ON LEAGUE STANDINGS (MERCEDES ALLOCATED TO LAST PLACE/WILLIAMS TO 1ST PLACE)
• QUALIFYING FORMAT (ODD NUMBERED ROUNDS) => SHORT-QUALIFYING SESSION (18 MINUTES)
• EVEN NUMBERED ROUNDS => REVERSE GRID ORDER OF PREVIOUS RACE RESULTS
• POLE POSITION => 2 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS (AWARDED WHEN QUALIFYING SESSION USED)
• FASTEST LAP => 1 CHAMPIONSHIP POINT (TOP 10 POSITIONS)

2.3.2 REALISTIC PERFORMANCE LEAGUE GRID ORDER (EVEN NUMBERED ROUNDS) - The Realistic Performance league's starting grid will be determined from the qualifying session on "odd-numbered" rounds of the Championship. The starting positions of the grid for "even-numbered" rounds will be determined from results of the previous race results, with the previous race winner starting at the back of the grid for the next race. League admin(s) will make use of the custom grid editor to arrange the grid in the following format:

• POLE => DRIVER WHO FINISHED LAST IN PREVIOUS RACE (DRIVER MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE REQUIRED RACE DISTANCE TO BE CLASSIFIED)
• 2ND => DRIVER WHO FINISHED AHEAD OF LAST POSITION

League admin(s) will continue to populate the grid order in this manner until they approach the final positions of the starting grid. Drivers who did not attend the previous race, or are new to the Realistic Performance league will start the race at the back of the grid in the format:

• 20th => NEW ADDITION TO THE LEAGUE
• 19TH => CURRENT DRIVER (MISSED PREVIOUS RACE)
• 18TH => DSQ (PREVIOUS RACE)
• 17TH => DNF (PREVIOUS RACE)
• 16TH => PREVIOUS RACE WINNER

2.3.3 REALISTIC PERFORMANCE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – World Championship Points will be awarded for all positions in the Realistic Performance league conditional on drivers meeting the race distance requirements. World Championship Points will be awarded as follows:

• 1st – 25 points
• 2nd – 24 points
• 3rd – 20 points
• 4th – 17 points
• 5th – 16 points
• 6th – 15 points
• 7th – 14 points
• 8th – 13 points
• 9th – 12 points
• 10th – 11 points
• 11th - 10 points
• 12th - 9 points
• 13th - 8 points 
• 14th - 7 points 
• 15th - 6 points
• 16th - 5 points
• 17th - 4 points
• 18th - 3 points
• 19th - 2 points
• 20th - 1 point

2.4 HEADSETS – Members are encouraged and advised to use headsets while competing. This will enable appropriate communication between admin(s) and drivers. Drivers are reminded that they must use their headsets to communicate appropriately. Member(s) attempting to distract another competitor, or who use their headset to abuse or intimidate other members will be disqualified from the race and may receive a permanent ban from IRL.

2.4.1 TEAM COMMUNICATION - Private group communication, separate from "game chat" will be permitted during race event(s), enabling teammates to discuss strategy and tactics openly between themselves. Competitors will be required to monitor the league group thread on discord in the event of instructions being issued by the league admin(s) in response to issues arising prior to race start which may require a restart.

2.5 STREAMING/LIVE BROADCASTS – Invictus Racing League restricts permission to live stream race event(s). Initially, the only person permitted to broadcast/stream race event(s) is the designated league commentator. However, due to our Xbox drivers being unable to record the entire duration of the race event(s), they are the only drivers exempt from this rule for the purpose of providing footage for steward investigations.

Invictus Racing League will consider applications from our drivers to live stream their races. To request permission to live broadcast, drivers must approach their platform directors where they will be required to meet specific conditions; suitable internet speeds to ensure that their connection will support live streaming. Drivers who have met the conditions required, but are found to present a risk to lobby stability or other drivers as a result of internet lag must end their live broadcast immediately and will not be permitted to live stream until the platform director is satisfied that the driver's connection is suitable.

Drivers who broadcast their races, but have been asked to cease live streaming, have not met the conditions required or have not approached their platform directors for permission will receive the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL WARNING
• SECOND OFFENCE => RACE BAN
• THIRD OFFENCE => IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM IRL

2.5.1 RECORDING RACES – As an alternative to live broadcasting their races, PS4 and PC league members are encouraged to record their races. Any member who is uncertain how to record their race(s) can contact the relevant league admin(s) for guidance. Invictus Racing League advises all it’s members to record their races. In the event of an incident occurring on track, race stewards may ask you to provide your POV of the incident.

3.1 QUALIFYING – To determine the starting order for each race event, a qualifying session will take place. The qualifying session will run as follows:

• SESSION LENGTH => 18 MINUTES

3.1.1 QUALIFYING PARTICIPATION – Although all drivers will be permitted to participate in the qualifying session, participation is not mandatory. Participation in the qualifying session is at the driver's discretion.

3.1.2 QUALIFYING LAP – It is the responsibility of every driver to provide themselves with sufficient space on track when preparing for a qualifying lap. Drivers who are on a qualifying lap are not required to yield track position to a faster driver approaching from behind.

3.1.3 QUALIFYING IN/OUT LAPS – Drivers who are completing an in/out lap are to ensure that they do not block/impede drivers on a qualifying lap. Drivers who are not currently on a qualifying lap are advised to stay off the racing line to minimise obstruction:

• BLOCKING/IMPEDING DRIVERS ON A QUALIFYING LAP => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT

3.1.4 RETIRING FROM THE QUALIFYING SESSION – Drivers are prohibited from retiring from the qualifying session while on track, or by intentionally destroying their car on track. Drivers must retire from the qualifying session when entering the pit-lane, or while in the garage. Drivers who do not follow the guidelines outlined in RULE 3.1.4 will receive the following penalties:

RETIRING ON TRACK (QUALIFYING)

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• YOUR RETIRED CAR CAUSES A COLLISION TO ANOTHER DRIVER => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

ATTEMPTED/INTENTIONAL DESTRUCTION OF OWN CAR (QUALIFYING)

• FIRST OFFENCE => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS
• SECOND OFFENCE => ONE RACE BAN & 3 LICENCE POINTS
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => SEASON BAN & 8 LICENCE POINTS

3.2 STARTING GRID (STRATEGY SELECTION) – Drivers are reminded not to press READY/START while waiting on the starting grid during race events until instructed by the league admin(s). The time allocated is provide drivers an opportunity to apply their race strategy for the upcoming event. Drivers who breach this ruling will receive the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

3.2.1 TYRE SELECTION – Drivers who qualify within the top 10 positions of the grid will start the race on the tyre compound that they set their fastest qualifying lap on. Drivers that start the race outside the top 10 positions will have a free choice of their starting tyre compound:

• Drivers must use a minimum of one set of the designated mandatory tyre compounds
• Drivers must use two of the three available dry tyre compounds during the race event
• Drivers must use a minimum of one mandatory tyre compound during the race event
• If weather conditions require a driver to use a wet tyre compound, then they are not required to use two different dry tyre compounds during the race event

3.3 DRIVING STANDARDS – Invictus Racing League expects that drivers adhere to our regulations at all times; meeting the driving standards expected of them. Drivers are expected to compete in the manner that Formula One demands; respectfully and safely, and to do their utmost to avoid contact with other drivers.

Those who do not meet the driving standards expected at IRL are likely to be removed from the league(s) they compete in until they meet the minimum standard required.

Although we expect a high standard of driving during official Formula One race event(s), IRL acknowledges that incidents can occur on track. If you are involved in an incident on track you may be asked to provide your POV of the incident for the purpose of steward investigations.

If the stewards conclude that a driver is wholly responsible for any incidents on track, the driver responsible is likely to receive a penalty that is appropriate to the severity and recklessness of the incident.​

3.3.1 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT – At no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers.

Drivers who are deemed to have let opposing drivers pass them, and drivers who have driven in a manner that breaches good conduct of Formula One are likely to be suspected of unsportsmanlike conduct.

This goes against the conduct that IRL prides itself on regarding fair and ethical racing. Any driver that is suspected of allowing other driver(s) to pass, not their teammate, with an agenda in mind will receive a penalty for their conduct.

If you suspect anyone of unsportsmanlike conduct you must submit relevant evidence such as your POV or the live broadcast of the race. All evidence must be submitted to the site director for review.

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => RACE BAN & 3 LICENCE POINTS

3.3.2 FORMATION LAP – When the green lights are illuminated, all cars on the grid should begin the formation lap with the pole position driver leading. During the formation lap practice starts are prohibited and the formation grid must be kept as tight as possible. Overtaking during the formation lap is only permitted if a car is delayed and cars behind cannot avoid passing without unduly delaying the remainder of the field behind. In this case, affected/delayed drivers may only overtake to re-establish the original starting grid if safe to do so; otherwise they must hold their current position and allow the AI to re-order the starting grid to it's original starting order.

All drivers are required to participate in the formation lap. Drivers are prohibited from intentionally skipping the formation lap by making deliberate contact with other drivers. Drivers who are discovered to have intentionally collided with another competitor during the formation lap may result in action being taken against them by the stewards.

No car may be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person at any time:

• Maintain your grid position
• Overtaking and pausing the game is prohibited unless as stated above
• Leave enough space between yourself and other drivers
• Avoid leaving an excessive gap to the driver ahead of you

PAUSING GAME (FORMATION LAP)

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 5 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT

CONTACT (FORMATION LAP)

• ACCIDENTAL CONTACT (VIDEO EVIDENCE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVE ACCIDENTAL COLLISION) => NO FURTHER ACTION
• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 5 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT

3.3.3 CONTACT WITH ANOTHER DRIVER(s) – If you experience a contact/collision with another driver which results in that driver leaving track, there is no requirement to wait for the affected driver. The IRL stewards will attend to the incident(s) after the race.

Waiting on track for affected driver(s) may result in you receiving a penalty from the stewards.

3.3.4 WAITING ON TRACK – Drivers are prohibited to wait on track for any reason. This is to avoid becoming a hazard/obstacle for other drivers, and to avoid the introduction of yellow flags, Virtual Safety Cars or Safety Cars.

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• RESULTS IN DRIVERS TAKING EVASIVE ACTION => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS
• RESULTS IN CONTACT WITH ANOTHER DRIVER => 30 SECOND PENALTY & 3 LICENCE POINTS

3.3.5 DELIBERATE CONTACT – Deliberate or intentional contact with other drivers is prohibited. It will be the discretion of the site director which of the following penalties will be awarded.​

• ONE RACE BAN
• MULTIPLE RACE BANS
• IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM IRL

3.3.6 LAG COLLISIONS – Lag-collisions are defined as UNFAIR OVERTAKES. If internet connection issues are the cause of an incident, when it is obvious that your connection was the cause of another driver being affected, the driver responsible will receive a penalty from the stewards.

• All competitors are responsible for their internet connection stability at all times
• Internet connection must be stable enough to compete safely at all times

3.3.7 OVERTAKING – Overtaking, according to the circumstances, may be carried out either on the right or left side of the defending driver, avoiding being overly aggressive and with minimum risk to both yourself and other competitors. As the overtaking car, it is your responsibility to ensure that contact is avoided when overtaking.

3.3.7.1 OFF-TRACK OVERTAKING – Drivers must use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. Drivers are judged to have left the track when all four wheels are beyond the white lines that define the track boundaries. Drivers will be judged to have completed an off-track overtake on a defending driver when all four wheels are beyond the boundaries of the circuit, or as a consequence of cutting a corner. If you have completed an off-track overtake, you must slow down and safely give the position back. Any driver who fails to hand the position back is likely to receive a penalty from the stewards:

• 10 SECOND PENALTY

3.3.7.2 BLUE FLAGS/BACKMARKERS – All drivers are responsible, and expected to adhere to the regulations of Formula One and Invictus Racing League; including blue flags.

Backmarkers, drivers who are to become lapped by other drivers, must ensure they allow the overtaking driver to pass as safely/appropriately as possible, causing minimal inconvenience to the lapping driver.

Backmarkers who are deemed to have excessively hindered a driver lapping them will receive the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => RACE BAN & 3 LICENCE POINTS

3.2.7.3 LAPPING BACKMARKERS – It is advised when approaching a backmarker to alert the driver of your presence using a headset. This will reduce the likelihood of a collision.

3.2.7.4 BACKMARKERS UNLAPPING - If you are a backmarker you are entitled to unlap yourself if you are quicker than the drivers on the lead lap only if:

• IT IS SAFE TO DO SO
• YOU WILL NOT IMPEDE DRIVERS ON THE LEAD LAP
• YOU OVERTAKE IN THE APPROPRIATE MANNER (NOT GHOSTING THROUGH CARS)

3.2.7.5 BACKMARKERS USING GHOSTING TO OVERTAKE LEAD LAP DRIVERS - It is prohibited to use ghosting as a method of overtaking/unlapping yourself from drivers on the lead lap. This method of overtaking is both a distraction for drivers on the lead lap and breaches proper Formula One conduct.

Drivers that are found to have overtaken/unlapped themselves using this method will receive the following penalty.

• 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT PER OVERTAKEN CAR

3.2.8 DEFENDING – While defending your position from an overtaking driver you must choose a line to defend while affording the overtaking driver sufficient time to react. In response to each attempted overtaking manoeuvre, no more than one change of direction is permitted. Drivers who use defensive tactics such as, intentional blocking, excessive weaving or anything that constitutes more than one defensive movement are likely to be investigated by the stewards and will receive the following penalties:

DRIVER MAKES DEFENSIVE MOVE (1 – 2 CAR LENGTHS TO OVERTAKING DRIVER)

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT

DRIVER MAKES DEFENSIVE MOVE (LESS THAN 1 CAR LENGTH)

• FIRST OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

Any driver moving back towards the racing line having earlier defended their position off-line must leave at least one car’s width between themselves and the edge of the track on the approach to the corner. However, if the overtaking driver remains behind by a significant gap, you are entitled to move back across to the edge of track. Defensive manoeuvres that are likely to hinder other drivers such as deliberate crowding beyond the edge of the track or any abnormal change of direction are prohibited and may be reported to the stewards.

Drivers are reminded that they must adhere to track limits at all times. The track limits are defined by the white lines, not the kerbs.

3.2.9 FORCING ANOTHER DRIVER OFF TRACK – Forcing another driver off track is not permitted. A minimum of a car’s width of space must be given to drivers that are sufficiently alongside which is measured from the white lined track boundary to the edge of the defending driver’s tyre.

When an attacking car is sufficiently alongside they are entitled to being left a car’s width of space, defending drivers must adjust their line to avoid contact.

Drivers are deemed sufficiently alongside when their car is a MINIMUM OF 50% ALONGSIDE the defending driver’s car; that the attacking driver’s nose/front wing is alongside or ahead of defending car’s sidepod.

If contact occurs between drivers when the attacking driver’s car is LESS THAN 50% alongside the defending driver, the stewards will judge that the overtaking driver is responsible for the incident.

Drivers are discouraged from throwing their car alongside another driver, often referred to as a divebomb in an attempt to force the defending driver in affording them space.

DIVEBOMBS ARE CONSIDERED HIGH RISK.

Stewards conclude that these overtaking attempts are undertaken by drivers often not in control of their car, and often receive a penalty as a consequence of being judged reckless.

3.2.9.1 RETURNING TO TRACK – Should a car leave the track for any reason, the driver may re-join only when it is safe to do so without gaining any lasting advantage. All competitors are responsible for ensuring they return to track in a safe manner; re-joining the track immediately is ill-advised.

It is safer to allow drivers to pass before returning to track. Anyone who returns to track unsafely or results in a collision will receive a reprimand/penalty from the stewards.

3.2.9.2 RESET TO TRACK – It is not permitted to pause the game and reset to track at any time. Drivers found violating this rule will receive a penalty from the stewards:

• FIRST OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

3.3 CORNER CUTTING – IRL uses STRICT CORNERING RULES. Drivers must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not deliberately leave the track without a justifiable reason. Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with it.

Track Boundaries are clearly marked by the white lines, not the outer-edge of the kerbs.

Track limits also apply to pit entry/exit at all tracks. Corner cutting and track extending to gain an advantage is not permitted. Consistently breaching this ruling will result in a penalty.

3.3.1 CHALLENGING CORNER CUTTING/TRACK EXTENDING PENALTIES – If you believe that you have received a time penalty for corner cutting/track extending on the spot and judge it to be unfair, you may approach your relevant league admin(s), not the stewards and ask them to review the incident that resulted in your time penalty being awarded.

All drivers must provide necessary evidence to challenge the penalty received. If you are unable to provide the relevant POV evidence to support your challenge your challenge will be unsuccessful. Race broadcasts are not considered sufficient evidence. To challenge corner cutting/track extending warnings/penalties you will need to provide.

• Your POV of the incident being challenged
• Recording of the full race director
• Drivers who are deemed to have gained an advantage, or the warning/penalty awarded was justified then your challenge will be unsuccessful
• Drivers who are deemed to have gained an advantage, or the warning/penalty is unjustified, they will have one warning removed from their accumulation
• If this results in having accumulated less warnings to warrant a time penalty being awarded, the time penalty will be removed from you race time

3.4 TRACK INCIDENTS - Following any incidents on track, the race director will take action deemed appropriate to each incident that will ensure the safety of the affected driver(s) and other competitors.

3.4.1 YELLOW FLAGS - Incidents where the track is obstructed, or marshals are working at the trackside, yellow flags will be used to indicate hazards/incidents on track. Drivers are reminded that there is no requirement to stop or slow your pace and must adhere to the following guidelines:

• REMAIN AT RACE PACE
• HOLD CURRENT POSITION
• DO NOT OVERTAKE
• BE PREPARED TO SUDDENLY CHANGE FROM THE RACING LINE, OR TAKE EVASIVE ACTION
• MAINTAIN AWARENESS THAT OTHERS MAY SLOW DOWN OR SUDDENLY CHANGE DIRECTION TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE INCIDENT
• DRIVERS WHO STOP AND WAIT ON TRACK FOR AFFECTED DRIVERS MAY RECEIVE A PENALTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 3.3.4

Drivers who do not adhere to the guidelines and overtake other competitors under yellow flag conditions will receive the following penalties from the stewards:

DRIVER OVERTAKES UNDER YELLOW FLAGS

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

3.4.2 VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR – The VSC procedure may be initiated to neutralise a race. It will normally be used when double waved yellow flags are needed on any section of track and competitors or officials may be in danger, but the circumstances are not such as to warrant use of the safety car itself. When the order is given to initiate the VSC procedure a message VSC DEPLOYED will be sent to all drivers and all FIA light panels will display “VSC”. During the Virtual Safety Car period all drivers must maintain a positive delta throughout; drivers will be expected to reduce their pace to achieve a positive delta in a safe manner. Drivers who do not reduce their pace and achieve a positive time delta within the required time will receive the following penalty

• DRIVE THROUGH PENALTY

Drivers who brake suddenly/immediately with excessive force, and pose a risk to other drivers will be investigated by the stewards. No car may be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person at any time whilst the VSC procedure is in use. This will apply whether any such car is being driven on the track, the pit entry or the pit lane.

When initiated during a race, no car may enter the pits whilst the VSC procedure is in use unless it is for the purpose of changing tyres. All competing cars must reduce speed and stay above the MAXIMUM TIME set by IRL described in RULE

In order to ensure that drivers reduce speed sufficiently, but not excessively, drivers must not exceed the maximum time delta permitted by IRL. The stewards will impose a penalty to any driver who fails to stay within the maximum delta time permitted by IRL. Any driver(s) who exceed the delta timing will receive a penalty from the stewards.​

• MAXIMUM "POSITIVE DELTA" PERMITTED TIME DURING VSC PERIOD => NO GREATER THAN 5 SECONDS

3.4.3 SAFETY CAR – The safety car may be brought into operation to neutralise a race. When the order is given to deploy the safety car the message SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED will be sent to all drivers. All FIA light panels will display “SC” and all marshal’s posts will display waved yellow flags and “SC” boards for the duration of the intervention. During the Safety Car period all drivers must maintain a positive delta throughout; drivers will be expected to reduce their pace to achieve a positive delta in a safe manner. Drivers who do not reduce their pace and achieve a positive time delta within the required time will receive the following penalty

• DRIVE THROUGH PENALTY

Drivers who brake suddenly/immediately with excessive force, and pose a risk to other drivers will be investigated by the stewards. No car may be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person at any time whilst the safety car is deployed. This will apply whether any such car is being driven on the track, the pit entry or the pit lane.

The safety car will join the track with its orange lights illuminated and will do so regardless of where the race leader is. All competing cars must reduce speed and form up in line behind the safety car no more than 10 CAR LENGTHS APART.

In order to ensure that drivers reduce speed sufficiently, but not excessively, drivers must not exceed the maximum time delta permitted by IRL.

The stewards will impose a penalty to any driver who fails to stay within the maximum delta time permitted by IRL. Any driver(s) who exceed the delta timing will receive a penalty from the stewards.​

• MAXIMUM "POSITIVE DELTA" PERMITTED TIME DURING SC PERIOD => NO GREATER THAN 5 SECONDS

3.4.4 VSC/SC MAXIMUM TIME DELTA PENALTY – Drivers who are found to have breached the maximum time delta set by IRL during SC and VSC conditions will receive the following penalties:

• DELTA +5 SECONDS => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• DELTA +6 – 10 SECONDS => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• DELTA EXCEEDS +10 SECONDS => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

DRIVERS ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS RULING UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

• SIGNIFICANT WING DAMAGE
• OUT OF FUEL
• PUNCTURE

3.4.5 PIT-STOP DURING SAFETY CAR – Drivers intending to make a pit-stop while the safety car is deployed must leave a gap between themselves, the safety car and/or other drivers on track. Overtaking the safety car and/or other drivers prior to the safety car line, with the intention of gaining an advantage for pit-entry is not permitted. Drivers are reminded that overtaking the safety car and/or other drivers prior to the safety car line will result in receiving an in-game penalty and will not be overturned by the league admin(s) or stewards.

3.4.6 OVERTAKING DURING THE SAFETY CAR PERIOD – Drivers are reminded that overtaking other drivers or the safety car under SC conditions is not permitted. This includes overtaking another driver prior to the safety car line to gain an advantage when entering the pit-lane or prior to the start/finish line or green flags at the conclusion of the safety car period.

Driver(s) who breach this ruling will receive an in game penalty and may receive further sanctions from the stewards depending on severity:

• OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• 5 SECOND PENALTY
• 10 SECOND PENALTY
• 20 SECOND PENALTY
• 30 SECOND PENALTY
• DISQUALIFICATION FROM RACE RESULTS
• RACE BAN(s)

Drivers will not be able to challenge an in-game penalty awarded or further sanctions from the stewards unless under certain exceptions:

• DRIVER AHEAD BRAKES SUDDENLY/UNEXPECTEDLY
• LAG CONNECTION RESULTING IN LAG-SPIKES OR TELEPORTING CARS WHICH RESULTS IN DRIVERS CHANGING POSITIONS
• LOBBY DE-SYNC/LOBBY INSTABILITY AFFECTING THE POSITION OF DRIVERS
• DRIVER AHEAD BRAKES SUDDENLY/UNEXPECTEDLY (BRAKE-CHECK) IN AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE PURSUING DRIVER RECEIVE A PENALTY

3.4.7 RETURNING TO RACE PACE AFTER SAFETY CAR – When the track is deemed safe enough to recall the safety car, drivers will receive the message SAFETY CAR IN THIS LAP and the safety car’s orange lights will be extinguished. This will be the signal to the drivers that it will be entering the pit lane at the end of that lap. At this point the lead car in line behind the safety car may dictate the pace and, if necessary, fall more than ten car lengths behind it.

As the safety car approaches the pit entry the SC boards will be withdrawn and, other than on the last lap of the race, as the leader approaches the line the yellow flags will be withdrawn and a green flag will be displayed at the line.

In order to avoid the likelihood of accidents before the safety car returns to the pits, from the point at which the lights on the car are turned out drivers must proceed at a pace which involves no erratic acceleration or braking nor any other maneuver which is likely to endanger other drivers or impede the restart.

Excessive speeding-up and slowing down is not permitted. This is to avoid collisions when all drivers are in close formation.

Any driver who is found to suddenly alter their pace will receive the following penalties depending on severity.

• 5 SECOND PENALTY
• 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS
• ONE RACE BAN

3.4.8 ATTEMPTED/INTENTIONAL DESTRUCTION OF CAR/INTENTIONAL ATTEMPT OF BRINGING OUT THE SAFETY CAR – It is prohibited to intentionally destroy your car either during qualifying or the race. Anyone who is discovered to have intentionally destroyed their car during the race, regardless whether it results in a SC/VSC or not will receive the following penalty from the stewards; time penalties will be added to the next race.

• FIRST OFFENCE => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS
• SECOND OFFENCE => ONE RACE BAN & 3 LICENCE POINTS
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => SEASON BAN

3.5 PIT-STOPS – Drivers must remain within the white lines when entering/exiting the pit-lane. Drivers who cause dangerous situations by either crossing the pit entrance/exit line, makes a late-dive into the pit-lane or behaves in a way that gives a time or track advantage will receive the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• DRIVER FORCED INTO EVASIVE ACTION => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• RESPONSIBLE FOR CAUSING A COLLISION => 20 SECOND PENALTY & 2 LICENCE POINTS

3.5.1 MANUAL PIT-STOP – Pit assists will be disabled. Drivers are required to complete a manual pit-stop. Drivers are required to brake appropriately, slowing down to the required speed limit prior to the pit-lane boundary.

Any driver(s) discovered pausing the game on their pit-stop, allowing the AI to perform the necessary braking and pit-entry will receive the following penalty.

• 30 SECOND PENALTY & 3 LICENCE POINTS

3.5.2 HELD IN PITS (GLITCH) – Drivers may suffer a glitch causing them to be held in the pits, unable to move, have their car serviced or return to the track. If this occurs, drivers must submit their recordings to the relevant league admin(s); starting from pit-entry to the moment they are held.

Drivers that experience this in-game issue will receive:

• HALF POINTS FOR POSITION HELD AT THE MOMENT OF BEING HELD IN THE PIT-BOX

3.6 DRAG REDUCTION SYSTEM (DRS) – Driving in a dangerous and unsporting manner to gain advantage during the race, particularly to gain the use of DRS is prohibited.

This kind of driving includes, but is not limited to, violently decelerating and/or steering when in front of a following car and deliberately allowing the following car to pass you in order to gain DRS activation yourself.

Drivers discovered attempting this will receive the following penalties from the stewards:

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => RACE BAN & 3 LICENCE POINTS

3.8 JUMP STARTS – At the race-start if you release the clutch early, causing your car to move before all 5 red lights go out you will automatically receive a drive-through penalty which you drivers must serve within 3 laps or risk being DISQUALIFIED.

3.9 PAUSING THE GAME – Pausing the game is prohibited while on track due to potentially creating incidents. Drivers are fully responsible for their car’s actions at all times. Any incident or dangerous situation caused, regardless whether a driver has paused their game or not will be penalised under normal racing rules.

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => 5 SECOND PENALTY
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => 10 SECOND PENALTY & 1 LICENCE POINT

4.1 DISCORD & SOCIAL MEDIA – Group discussion threads will be created on discord for each league; all relevant members will be invited to join. This will allow further race discussion between members, and will enable league admin(s) to relay important information to our drivers.

We encourage our members to engage on the website forums, discord and social media accounts of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to remain informed of upcoming tracks and other relevant information.

Members are reminded that it is their responsibility to know which tracks they will be competing, as well as other information that has been posted publicly.

While a member of IRL, you will be expected to conduct yourselves appropriately within the discord server and on social media. IRL does not tolerate those found to have engaged in abusive behaviour at any time, or presents a risk to the reputation of Invictus Racing League. Anyone who has been found to have conducted themselves in a manner that falls short of what is required of them will be removed from IRL and will not be permitted to rejoin.

4.1 COMMUNICATION – All drivers are encouraged to use a suitable, working headset while in the race lobby. Members are required to remain in game chat rather than party chat; this is to ensure effective communication between league admin(s) and drivers. Communication during races is also effective in reducing incidents and resolving disputes.

4.2 LOBBY ETIQUETTE – All members are required to respect all competitors and staff members of IRL. We are focused on creating a welcoming/friendly and competitive atmosphere. All members are expected to treat other drivers equally regardless of pace, ability and experience.

4.2.1 RESPECT THE LEAGUE ADMIN(s) – All members are advised to listen to and follow instructions of the league admin(s). If you feel/believe that a decision/action has been incorrect please approach the league admin(s) privately and discuss your concerns calmly and maturely.

During a race, the decision of the league admin(s) is final. If however you believe an error has occurred and you wish to raise a concern after the race, you are encouraged to approach the league co-ordinator or site director in a calm and mature manner by private message.

4.2.2 INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR – Shouting, name-calling, abusing or distracting another member will not be tolerated. Members who inappropriately use headsets to insult another member, become a disruptive influence or create an unwelcoming atmosphere will be informed to leave the race lobby IMMEDIATELY.

Members may be further penalised by receiving race ban(s) or removal from IRL. This will be at the discretion of the site director.

4.2.3 ON-TRACK INCIDENT(s) – If you are involved in an incident on-track do not use your headset to threaten/abuse or verbally attack another driver. IRL recognises that being caught-up in an incident can be frustrating, however this does not justify treating another member disrespectfully.

Suffering due to another competitor’s mistake or recklessness does not validate/justify retaliation or disregarding the rules. Remain calm and continue with your race.

If you believe another driver is to blame for an incident, record the incident and report the incident to the stewards.

If you believe a driver is behaving in a manner that breaches IRL’s regulations, report the behaviour to the league admin(s) after the race.

4.2.4 SAFE RETIREMENT – If any member has to leave the lobby during the race, you are required to retire the car SAFELY.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFE RETIREMENT

• DRIVE SAFELY TO THE PIT-LANE AND RETIRE, COMPLETING A SAFE RETIREMENT
• DRIVERS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE SAFE RETIREMENT GUIDELINES WILL RECEIVE A PENALTY DETAILED IN RULE 4.2.5
• THIS RULE DOES NOT APPLY IF A MEMBER HAS LEGITIMATELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE RACE LOBBY

4.2.5 RAGE QUITTING – If any member intentionally leaves the race lobby without following the appropriate procedures detailed in RULE 4.2.4 such as deliberately getting disqualified or RAGE_QUITTING as a result of being angry after an incident will incur the following penalties from stewards:

• FIRST OFFENCE => OFFICIAL REPRIMAND
• SECOND OFFENCE => RACE BAN
• SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES => SEASON BAN

IRL advises drivers to follow the appropriate procedures to retire from the race rather than causing or contributing to the possibility of a race incident. Depending on how a competitor ends their race will determine how they are classified in the race results.

• DRIVER COMPLETES SAFE-RETIREMENT IN PIT-LANE => DNF
• DRIVER RETIRES ON TRACK/RAGE QUIT => DSQ

4.3 WEBSITE ACTIVITY/ENGAGEMENT – IRL requires all members to remain active on the website while competing as a driver, this will enable competitors to know which tracks they are competing on and any other information necessary to attend races.

We request that members contribute to the IRL community, although we do not require members to make several posts a week.

We request that members participate in the driver press conferences when requested to do so. Admin(s) will occasionally check member activity. if a member remains inactive for a significant length of time they will be removed/replaced.

4.3.1 FORUM BEHAVIOUR – Members are required and expected to behave in a respectful manner on the forum(s). Name-calling, verbally abusing/attacking another member, bullying or any behaviour that is intended to aggravate another member or instigate an argument will not tolerated.

Any members breaching this rule will be removed and banned from Invictus immediately.

5.1 INTERNET TEST/ASSESSMENT RACES(s) – All members will be asked to undertake an internet connection test at the point of signing-up and will be required to participate in assessment race(s) prior to being inducted into IRL.

Assessment races will be used to assess new applicant’s driving ability and connection stability.

No applicant will be inducted into the Formula One leagues until IRL are satisfied that they meet the minimum requirements of internet stability and driving standards.

5.2 INTERNET LAG – It is an unfortunate reality of online racing that a competitor’s internet connection may become unstable.

Stable internet connections are critical for being able to race closely with other competitors on track. IRL appreciates that not everyone can have a perfect internet connection and internet-lag can occasionally be unavoidable.

IRL reserves the right to remove any member from a league whose connection is consistently poor or lagging in order to avoid incidents created from unstable connections.

6.1 LOBBY DISCONNECTIONS – IRL are aware that disconnections occur for various reasons. League admin(s) will send multiple invites to each driver prior to the race event in case of disconnections. Drivers are expected to use one of the spare invitations to return to the lobby and retake control of their car at an appropriate time.

If there is a mass disconnection (MORE THAN 3 DRIVERS) during the qualifying session, the league admin(s) may restart the race event using the weather forecasted in the original lobby.

There will be no restart during the race.

6.1.1 DISCONNECTION WEATHER SETTINGS – Weather settings for the new race lobby will reflect the original race conditions:

• CLEAR
• OVERCAST
• LIGHT RAIN
• HEAVY RAIN
• IF WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CHANGEABLE, DYNAMIC WEATHER SETTINGS WILL REMAIN
  
  

6.2 LOBBY COLLAPSE/SPLIT LOBBY – In the event of a mass disconnection or the lobby splitting, you should continue to race and await further instruction from your league admin(s). It is the league admin(s) who will decide what to do.

• League admin(s) will do their utmost to ensure race event(s) proceed.
• League admin(s) will make a maximum of 3 attempts to proceed with race event(s).
• After a 3rd failed attempt, or if the race has not started within 30 minutes of scheduled start time, the race event will be postponed.
• A decision to reschedule will be made by the site director.

6.3 DISCONNECTIONS DURING THE RACE – In the event that you disconnect from the race, you are permitted to rejoin and regain control of your car. However, if for any reason that you cannot re-join the lobby the league admin(s) will determine whether you completed the necessary number of laps to be awarded championship points.​

• Competitors that have covered less than 90% race distance will not be classified in the race results and will not receive World Championship points.
• Competitors that are able to rejoin will receive points for the position held at the chequered flag.
• Competitors that are unable to rejoin and have completed 90% race distance will receive points for the position held by the AI at the chequered flag.
• If the AI retires the car or finishes outside the top 10 positions, regardless what position the competitor held before disconnect, the competitor will not receive any Championship points.

7.1 STEWARD’S PANEL – The steward’s panel is to be used to report incidents and any other rule violations observed within IRL. To assist stewards in their investigation(s) of any incident, a valid and thorough explanation, supported with video evidence is required.

Stewards will investigate all reported incidents and rule violations, and will post their findings in the steward’s forum.

7.2 RULE ENFORCEMENT – It is impossible to control the actions of all the drivers, however if anyone observes/witnesses any members breaching IRL regulations, they are encouraged to report this to either the league admin(s) or stewards.

7.3 RACING INCIDENTS – Drivers and league admin(s) may report any on-track incidents or suspected breaches of IRL regulations to the stewards. After review it shall be at the discretion of the stewards to decide whether or not to proceed with an investigation.

The stewards may also investigate an incident noted by themselves.

It shall be at the discretion of the stewards to decide if any driver involved in an incident should be penalised.

Unless it is clear to the stewards that a driver or drivers were wholly or predominantly to blame for an Incident no penalty will be imposed.If an Incident is under investigation the stewards will inform the driver or drivers involved.

Should the stewards decide to impose any penalties the following procedure will be followed:

• The stewards will give written notice to the league admin(s) of the penalty award and the driver concerned.
• The league admin(s) will inform the driver in the league chat that a penalty has been imposed on them.
• The designated steward will give written confirmation of the penalty in the relevant steward’s findings forum.

7.3.1 INCIDENT REPORTING COOLDOWN PERIOD – Drivers are reminded that there is a mandatory cooldown period before being able/permitted to report incident(s) that have occurred during official league races to the stewards.

The steward’s office will remain closed until 9am the day after race completion

Once the steward’s office opens, drivers will have a 48 hour window to report incident(s).

The steward’s office will close again at 9am after the 48 hour window.

Incidents reported before the cooldown period has expired, and after the 48 hour window, will not be investigated.

Guidelines for reporting incidents and possible penalties can be found in the steward’s office.

7.4 STEWARD HARASSMENT/INFLUENCING & MANIPULATION – Driver’s are reminded that when they have posted an incident, they must await the steward’s decision. Stewards must be permitted the time necessary to review incidents that have been reported without outside influence.

Any driver that attempts, or is discovered making contact with the stewards during their deliberation with the intention of swaying or influencing their decisions through harassment or manipulation through private messages or any other means will immediately receive the following penalties:

• FIRST OFFENCE => ONE RACE BAN
• SECOND OFFENCE => IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM IRL

8.1 RACE RESULTS – The league admin(s) will post the race results after the race. The league tables relating to the Driver’s and Constructor Championships will be updated.

8.2 CLASSIFICATION & CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – Drivers who have completed the required race distance will be awarded Championship points for themselves and constructors.

Drivers who disconnect from race event(s) will only be awarded Championship points if the meet the requirements of RULE 6.3 relating to race distance completion.

Drivers who do not meet the race distance requirement will not receive Championship points from the race event(s).

Drivers who rage-quit will not be awarded Championship points and will receive further sanctions from the stewards.

8.2.1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – Drivers who meet the race distance requirements will be awarded the following World Championship points.

• 1st – 15 points
• 2nd – 12 points
• 3rd – 10 points
• 4th – 8 points
• 5th – 6 points
• 6th – 5 points
• 7th – 4 points
• 8th – 3 points
• 9th – 2 points
• 10th – 1 point

8.2.2 FASTEST LAP CHAMPIONSHIP POINT – IRL will award a Formula One World Championship point to the driver that sets the fastest valid lap time during the race in accordance with the FIA Formula One regulations.

• Drivers classified in the top 10 positions are eligible for the Championship point for setting the fastest valid lap time.
• Drivers who achieve the fastest valid lap time and finish outside the top 10 positions will result in the Championship point not being awarded.
• Drivers who achieve the fastest valid lap time but are disqualified from the race classifications will result in their times being discounted.
• The driver with the next fastest valid lap time will be deemed the holder of the fastest valid lap time.
• The Championship point will only then be awarded if that driver meets the requirements of the Championship point being awarded.

9.1 RACE SCHEDULE/CALENDAR – The IRL championship calendar will be published before the beginning of the season. IRL premium members will have early access to the Championship schedule. IRL members who have not secured an IRL premium membership will be informed of the championship calendar on the season announcement live stream or on social media.

9.2 DRIVER & CONSTRUCTOR CHAMPIONSHIPS & TROPHIES – The IRL Formula One World Championship Driver’s title will be awarded to the driver who has scored the highest number of points, taking into consideration all the results obtained during the competitions which have actually taken place.

The title of IRL Formula One Constructor Champion will be awarded to the competitor which has scored the highest number of points with results from both cars being taken into account.

9.3 LEVEL POINTS – If two or more constructors or drivers finish the season with the same number of points resulting in a dead-heat, the higher place in the championship (in either case) shall be awarded to:

• The holder of the greatest number of race wins.
• If the number of race wins is the same, the holder of the greatest number of second places.
• If the number of second places is the same, the holder of the greatest number of third places and so on until a winner emerges.