A narrow section of Formula 1’s new Miami circuit could prove particularly tricky during any Safety Car periods this weekend, Yuki Tsunoda has predicted.
Formula 1 will race on the newly-constructed Miami International Autodrome for the first time this weekend.
Having sampled the track in his team’s simulator, Tsunoda said he’s “really looking forward” to driving it for real. He also identified a narrow section of track near the end of the lap as a potential trouble spot.
“It’s really tricky [and] different,” he said. “Especially in sector three, it’s such tight corners. If a Safety Car happens I guess it’s going to be like a real traffic jam there because it’s super-tight.
“Even on a hot lap it’s still quite slow corners. So it’s going to be interesting to see.”
Gallery: First pictures from the 2022 Miami Grand Prix weekendOther teams have also pointed out the narrowness of the circuit as a potential challenge and one which may lead to more Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car deployments during the race. The track is at its narrowest from turns 12 to 16 (pictured).
Visibility will also be a challenge for drivers, Sergio Perez predicted. “I think it’s a good circuit,” said the Red Bull driver. “It has a little bit of a twisty area that it’s quite difficult to get right and the visibility can be difficult.
“But I think racing can be good with all those long straights. I just hope the asphalt [will] be good and we can have good racing.”
Other drivers who have driven simulations of the track expect its long straights will help them overtake.
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“It was nice to see that it seems to be a really good track for overtaking,” said Valtteri Bottas. “I think the way the track has been planned, from my side, it looks positive it should be good racing. Pretty long straights and a couple of really good overtaking opportunities.
Track data: Miami International…