What does the term "overlapping" refer to when two vehicles are on the same part of the track?

The term "overlapping" in the context of motorsport refers to a situation where the front part of one vehicle (specifically the rear vehicle) is in front of the rear part of another vehicle (the front vehicle). This means that the rear vehicle is positioned in such a way that it has a portion of its front in front of the rear of the vehicle it is trying to overtake, establishing a clear indication that the rear vehicle is seeking to pass.

Understanding overlapping is crucial for both drivers and officials, as it signifies that the overtaking vehicle is not merely in proximity to another vehicle, but actually in a position to overtake and take advantage of any gap. This can influence decisions on racing lines, passing maneuvers, and how drivers respond to each other on the track during competition.

The other definitions describe different spatial relations between the vehicles, but only the defining characteristic of overlapping accurately reflects the scenario where an overtaking attempt is viable.