To discourage drivers from exceeding track limits, an innovative system will debut at the Qatar Grand Prix to address the track limits problems that have sparked numerous discussions throughout this season. With Formula 1 moving further away from using gravel to delineate circuits, concrete blocks will be placed at the exit of corners where drivers are suspected of gaining an advantage.
A new system debuts in Qatar to tackle the track limits issue
After Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the inaugural edition in 2021, the circus returns to Losail, and it has committed to hosting the Qatar Grand Prix until 2033, signing a contract with Formula 1.
According to Motorsport-Magazin.com, concrete slabs measuring one and a half meters by two meters have been installed at specific points on the Losail circuit.
This decision is intended to effectively address one of the issues that has generated much debate in the paddock this year, which is track limits. Who could forget the commotion in Austria, where stewards imposed numerous penalties at the end of the race? It all began with Aston Martin’s protest, which forced race control to review hundreds of borderline incidents.
As reported by the German outlet, these slabs have been placed behind the curbs at key corners, where the highest number of violations and drivers potentially gaining an advantage by going beyond the white line are expected.
While one side of the slabs will be smooth, the other side will be highly abrasive due to solidified gravel, which will slow down drivers in case of an excursion off the track. Additionally, this solution could potentially cause damage to the tires.
The decision to opt for this system was a compromise between the FIA, FIM, and the Losail circuit. The federation would have preferred to install gravel runoff areas. However, the circuit decided to follow the wishes of the MotoGP governing body by positioning the abrasive concrete strips.
The Losail race could prove decisive in the battle for the drivers’ championship
As we well know, Formula 1 has mostly abandoned the tradition of surrounding circuits with gravel, opting for wide asphalt runoff areas. However, if this experiment proves effective, the solution could potentially be applied at other tracks in the future.
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Moreover, the Qatar race could also be decisive in the 2023 Formula 1 championship battle. Max Verstappen would only need to secure a sixth-place finish in the sprint to clinch the world title for the third consecutive time.
This would be a historic record, as the title would be awarded on a Saturday for the first time. After winning the constructors’ title in Suzuka, Red Bull is gearing up for another celebration at Losail. On the other hand, Sergio Perez, who was mentally drained after the Japanese Grand Prix, might be a bit less jubilant.
Source: f1ingenerale
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