Red Bull Ring set to introduce key changes as it want to avoid repeat track limits debacle
Ahead of this year's Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Ring will undergo several changes as the circuit is intent on avoiding the repeat track limits debacle from last year.
Track limits have been a significant issue in Formula One recently. With many tracks replacing old-school gravel traps with asphalt run-off zones, drivers usually try to extend the limits even more.
However, track limits have turned out to be very difficult to monitor on certain tracks recently which often led to unintended consequences. Last year's Austrian Grand Prix saw FIA stewards investigate over 1200 potential track limit issues.
It became such an issue that the race result was only announced the day after the race as stewards were unable to review all the cases in a short period of time.
With the Red Bull Ring intent on avoiding a repeat track limits debacle, a host of changes has been implemented for this year. Although the solution looks obvious, it is far from easy to solve given the variety of racing series that uses the Styrian track. Apart from F1, DTM and MotoGP also race on the Red Bull Ring with all series defining unique requirements.
Red Bull Ring has now confirmed that it has implemented a raft of changes to the track which has been carried out after consultations with both governing bodies, the FIA and FIM.
Speaking about the tweaks to the track, track director Ernst Wolf told Motorsport-Magazin.com: ""We have solved that. "Importantly, this was done in agreement with the FIA and the FIM (the world motorcycle association). "
"It has to fit together. We can't optimize the track for one and then the others can't drive anymore."
One of the most critical parts of the track is the section between Turn 9 and 10 where it was almost impossible to monitor track limits in recent years. A temporary gravel section has been added to the run-off zone: "Anyone who drives into it or touches it is at a disadvantage. That solves the problem automatically,"
This gravel section will be converted back into asphalt immediately after the end of the Formula 1 race as MotoGP will use the circuit in August.
Although the changes are only temporary, in involves a significant amount of costs. Wolf said that Red Bull Ring needs to accept the financial impact if it wants to secure its long-term future in both premier classes.
"We are solving the costs. We have to solve this and we want to solve it. We want to continue to be one of the best race tracks in the world," Wolf is quoted as saying by Motorsport-Magazin.com.
