The Formula One Race Director, Safety Delegate and Starter, Charlie Whiting, and the Safety Delegate of the MotoGP™ Grands Prix, Franco Uncini, visited Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this morning, to supervise the works and changes done on the racetrack during January.
The representatives of both federations have approved the changes, the aim of which was trying to find a balance between both motor sports disciplines. Both Mr Whiting and Mr Uncini were grateful for the actions undertaken and congratulated Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the works done on the track.
The most significant change is the new MotoGP™ chicane –before the chicane of the Formula 1 layout-, and the creation of a new gravel run-off area at Turn 13. We should also remind that the MotoGP™ World Championship is going to use Turn CaixaBank (10) of the Formula 1 layout, i.e. the turn located at the end of the back straight before entering the stadium, as well. The new MotoGP™ layout will have a length of 4,652 metres.
In addition to these changes, all of the Astroturf on the right hand side of Turns 10 and 11, and on the left hand side of turns 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 has been removed. Instead, a removable yellow kerb has been installed between turns 10/11, 13/14, and 15/16, which will be removed for motorcycle races. The round kerb made of cement on the left hand side of turn 14 has been removed as well, and has been replaced by a removable red kerb, which will also be taken off for motorcycle races.
Another of the actions carried out has been the repainting of the Formula 1 starting grid, with new graphics, according to the new FIA Regulations, and due to this year’s increase in width of the cars.
