Following two heavy crashes throughout final yr’s race, the FIA has confirmed some key security modifications to Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit forward of subsequent month’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The Melbourne Park Circuit that may play host to the season-opening race within the upcoming season is about to undergo some key tweaks after a collection of incidents in recent times.
Final yr noticed Mercedes driver George Russell endure a heavy crash at Flip 6 after being caught out by Fernando Alonso braking sooner than anticipated. His Mercedes veered off-track earlier than being thrown again onto the racing line.
Earlier through the weekend within the second free apply session, Williams driver Alexander Albon sustained a extreme crash on the identical nook which has raised considerations over the nook’s design and security.
Though a number of drivers voiced their considerations concerning the security of Flip 6, many label that part of the Albert Park Circuit as essentially the most satisfying phase. Nonetheless, the governing physique has now elected to request just a few modifications from the organizers to enhance security forward of subsequent month’s Australian Grand Prix.
Whereas a number of potential options had been thought-about, together with re-profiling the nook to scale back speeds, changing the gravel lure with an asphalt run-off space, the FIA opted to regulate the limitations to stop automobiles from bouncing again onto the monitor.
As well as, the kerbs at Turns 6 and seven have been changed with a single specification of a adverse kerb, which sits decrease than the monitor floor.
“Following a evaluate of final yr’s occasion at Albert Park, a number of adjustments to Flip 6 and Flip 7 have been authorized in collaboration with the native ASN and the grand prix organisers. The kerb on the exit of Flip 6 by way of entry and apex of Flip 7 has been changed with a single specification of adverse kerb.
“This adjustment removes the transition from adverse to constructive kerb that was current on this space, which beforehand had been addressed by native modification (grinding) of the kerb to offer a smoother transition between kerb varieties. The intent is to take away the potential for this transition destabilizing a automobile.
“Moreover, the gravel lure now extends to the again of the kerb and the barrier on the left-hand facet of Flip 7 has additionally been moved and re-profiled to mitigate the potential for a automobile coming to relaxation ready close to the racing line following an impression with the energy-absorbing barrier on this space.
“These adjustments have been proposed based mostly on suggestions from the FIA Security Division following their ongoing evaluation of all circuits, in addition to enter from drivers and groups. They intention to offer enchancment in security while sustaining nook dynamics and thrilling racing,” learn FIA’s assertion.
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