Formula 1 drivers say the changes made to the run-off areas at Imola are an example of how tracks should be designed.
Drivers have repeatedly complained about the flat kerbs and asphalt run-offs used at many circuits making it difficult to judge whether they have exceeded track limits. This has led to them receiving a spate of penalties at some tracks, such as the Red Bull Ring and Circuit of the Americas.
However ahead of this year’s race at Imola several grap traps were extended, making it harder for drivers to get away with making a mistake. Following Friday practice, white lines at some corner exits were widened, making it easier for drivers to judge whether they remained within tracks limits.
As a result far fewer lap times were deleted for drivers leaving the track. Lando Norris said drivers urged race organisers to implement similar solutions in the past but were told it couldn’t be done.
“I feel like we’re just returning back to how it was six years, seven years ago,” he said. “I don’t know why they made [the run-offs] Tarmac. They said it was impossible that we’d ever go back, and now we’re just going back to kind of how it was.”
Norris praised the decision to widen white lines at turns six, nine, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 ahead of final practice.
“When you’re trying to drive and you’re trying to look where the white line is relative to your tyre and kind of guess, it’s just something we shouldn’t have to think about,” he said. “So it’s more down to the driver just taking the risk and committing to corners.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
“Especially on a track like this. We have to commit so much. It’s kind of that risk [versus] reward, which you have.”
Max Verstappen agreed, saying: “It’s great: You know that you get punished if you go wide.”
“You don’t need to look ‘is my tyre in the white line or not’, because of the changes that we made with the FIA to paint wider lines.”
Changes have been made to other circuits this year in order to prevent drivers gaining an advantage by using an asphalt run-off. A new gravel trap was installed at the final corner at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Oscar Piastri said these are changes for the better despite the increased risk of drivers ruining their laps or damaging their cars.
“For us it’s a welcome thing and I think China was a very similar example,” he said. “They added more gravel back in there and we were very…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RaceFans…