FIA details circuit changes, DRS for Imola GP; Vettel holds a run

Darshan Chokhani

6 months ago

The FIA has shared details for F1 Imola GP in terms of the track limits, DRS zone, multiple changes to circuit and more.

After last year’s washout due to flooding, F1 returns this year for this weekend’s Imola GP in Emilia Romagna and there are host of changes made to the circuit. There are not just double kerbs at corners, but also reduction of asphalt at various places too.

Here’s the list of changes made as per FIA Race Directors’ note –

New double kerb installed in Turn 2 on LHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 3 on RHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 4 on LHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 5 on LHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 6 on RHS.
At the beginning of the kerb in Turn 6 on RHS an asphalt patch has been installed to remove the step between kerb and verge.
Between Turn 7 and Turn 8 on RHS two drain covers have been replaced with a French drain.
New double kerb installed in Turn 9 on LHS.
Reduction of the asphalt run-off in the exit of Turn 9 on RHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 11 on RHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 12 on RHS.
Reduction of the asphalt run-off between Turn 12 and Turn 13 on LHS.
New double kerb installed at the exit of Turn 15 on RHS.
Reduction of the asphalt run-off in Turn 15 on RHS.
New double kerb installed in Turn 19 on LHS.

The track limits, meanwhile, remains the white lines. As for the lone DRS zone, the detection zone is 385m before Turn 17 with the activation being 40m after Turn 19. In terms of the FIA stewards panel, it will be led by Tim Mayer.

He will have the able support of Matthew Selley, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Matteo Perini. In other news, the Imola GP weekend also kicked-off on Thursday in the presence of world champion Sebastian Vettel, who did a run in the honour of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger – 30 years since their death.

Vettel invited the whole paddock with the track filled with F1 drivers along with team bosses, F2 and F3 racers, FIA/FOM officials plus even members of Senna family. They also paid a visit to Senna’s statute in the heart of the Imola circuit as a mark of respect.

Here’s videos: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7CPZOZCWnx/?hl=en