United States Grand Prix: circuit modifications to manage track limits
The organizers of the United States Grand Prix have made a series of revisions to the Austin circuit in an attempt to reduce problems related to track limits. Last year, several teams had complained about this.
The United States Grand Prix, which will take place at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, will be marked by significant modifications. These adjustments have been made to better manage the track limits, an issue that sparked numerous discussions last year.
Many complaints
The organizers took advantage of the track renovation to implement several changes, in response to the abuses observed by the drivers, particularly around the corners. The situation had become so worrying that the Haas team had even requested a review of the incidents where it believed that some competitors had exceeded the limits without being sanctioned.
Even though the FIA commissioners rejected Haas’ request, on-board videos showing questionable maneuvers at turn 6 had fueled complaints from several teams, who insisted on the need for better regulation.
Measures to solve this issue
To prevent these incidents from happening again, several modifications have been made to the track. The asphalt borders have been narrowed by 1.5 meters in several corners (6, 13, 14, and 15) and replaced with grass to deter drivers from crossing them. Cameras have also been installed at strategic locations to enhance monitoring of track exits.
A notable change has been made at the exit of turn 11: the space, which was previously an asphalt runoff area, has been transformed with a gravel insert bound by resin. This innovation, already tested at Zandvoort, aims to deter drivers from exceeding the limits, while avoiding cluttering the track with debris.
Bobby Epstein, promoter of the Grand Prix, highlighted the complexity of the layout of the circuit, taking into account the requirements of F1 and MotoGP: « There are certain areas where it is difficult because, if you have both MotoGP and F1 racing on the same circuit, one wants gravel in an area where the other does not. You can’t have both. »
Other adjustments have also been made, such as replacing borders and adding drainage systems to improve racing conditions in case of rain.
A renovation that feels good
In parallel, the COTA underwent a general renovation aiming to eliminate some bumps that had been criticized the year before.
It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Part of this track was 12 years old, so it was time. I’m sure we’ll hear, “It’s like a brand new track. It’s fantastic,” Epstein said.
With all these changes, the United States Grand Prix promises to be rich in spectacle, while avoiding the return of controversies regarding track limits.
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