F1 News
Adjustments will be made to COTA for the US GP after previous problems
Formula One's next Grand Prix will be in Austin, Texas, at the Circuit of the Americas. It has undergone some modifications to improve the quality of racing after many issues with track limits in 2023. As well as these modifications, the track has also been resurfaced due to previous complaints from drivers. See the full list of the changes made here.
Problems during the 2023 United States Grand Prix
Last season, many drivers made track limits infringements. The corner cuts were so frequent that Haas requested a 'right to review', which meant that drivers' specific breaches would be looked at in detail. This was necessary, according to the American team, because several drivers had to be penalised due to their infringements during the race. In the end, other teams also complained about the lack of action from the race management and the stewards.
New adjustments at the Circuit of the Americas
Last season's problems, therefore, have led the circuit itself to make adjustments, reports Motorsport.com. For example, the asphalt verges at Turn 6, Turn 13, Turn 14 and Turn 15 have been narrowed by 1.5 metres and replaced with turf. The hope is that drivers are no longer tempted to go over the white line due to the turf. Cameras have also been installed in 'strategic places' to help check for potential track limits issues.
Another change has also been made at the exit of turn 11. Resin-covered 'fake' gravel, which was previously introduced at Zandvoort, has now also been installed at that corner, as it previously used to be an asphalt run-off area. This will help deter drivers and also help stop gravel from getting onto the track. This modification has been made as an experiment, as the circuit needs to meet the requirements of both Formula 1 and MotoGP. Finally, new asphalt has also been laid. This has been done to reduce the bumps that drivers complained about last year.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
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7 October 2024
