'FIA wanted gravel before Austria GP, Red Bull Ring refused'
F1 News
The FIA already saw the problem. Already after the Austrian Grand Prix of 2022, the international motor sports federation had informed the Red Bull Ring organisers that it foresaw problems with track limits for the next race. The FIA then insisted on laying gravel in corners 9 and 10, but the organisers did not want to hear about it. reports Motorsport.com.
The track limits were always an issue. So in the past there were higher kerbs, but after a number of accidents they were removed. So now there was only a white line that could not be crossed completely. Especially with the new, wider generation of cars, it is more difficult for drivers to judge exactly where the white line of the track limits is.
FIA sent letter to Red Bull Ring
In light of problems at the 2022 Austrian GP, it has emerged that race director Niels Wittich, as part of the formal report the FIA prepares after each race, sent a letter to Red Bull Ring. In it, he suggested adjustments to the design of Turn 9 and Turn 10. In the report, he made a clear recommendation to install small gravel bins at those corners, which would act as a deterrent.
The owners of the Red Bull Ring decided not to comply with this request, as MotoGP also races at the circuit. These drivers, for safety reasons, actually want there to be a run-out strip of asphalt. Bearing in mind last weekend's hassle, there will undoubtedly be a renewed request from the FIA to make adjustments.