A question I raised when I first signed up to be a marshal 16 years ago.

I didn't really want to go trackside as it looked far too dangerous, and besides working in the pits, you get to meet drivers, celebs, drunken spectators ... <yikes>

The answer is - as long as you are over 16 - yes. It isn't necessary to gain a grade elsewhere before becoming a pit marshal.

What would you have a 51 year old rookie pit lane marshal do, exactly? I could shag tea and crumpets for example, but little else.

Or, I could shag.........................

Well, for a start, you'd be "paired" with an experienced pit marshal who would show you the ropes. You'd also be given the opportunity to have a go at writing reports (even if the meeting in question didn't need written reports).

Basically, you'd start learning the job from day 1 <thumbsup>

This is pretty similar to what happens with other grades/roles - See the question "What Training Do I Need?" Elsewhere in this forum.