The FIA shares track limits for US GP along with DRS zones, changes to circuit, as Red Bull agrees to changes after latest technical drama.
With F1 returning after a mini break, the FIA relayed the Race Directors’ note starting with track limits for this weekend’s US GP at Circuit of the Americas. As known, the white line denotes it but additionally, there is mention of taking the escape road correctly at Turn 20.
“Additionally, each time a driver fails to negotiate with the exit of turn 20, will result in that lap time and the immediately following lap time being invalidated by the Stewards,” the note said, which also expanded on the two DRS zones, the first of whose detection zone is at 150m after Turn 10.
The activation of the same is 345m after Turn 11. The second’s detection zone is 65m after Turn 18, while its activation is at 80m after Turn 20. In terms of the changes to circuit, the FIA has a long list which includes resurfacing and removal of bump at Turn 12, especially.
The list goes:
- Resurfacing between entry Turn 16 until entry Turn 3.
- Resurfacing between entry Turn 9 until entry Turn 12.
- Installation of new kerbs in Turn 9 RHS.
- Installation of new kerbs in Turn 10 LHS.
- Installation of new kerbs in Turn 18 RHS.
- New TecPro barriers in Turn 1 run-off.
- New TecPro barriers in Turn 2 LHS.
- New TecPro barriers in Turn 6 LHS.
- New TecPro barriers in Turn 8 LHS.
- New TecPro barriers in Turn 10 RHS.
- New TecPro barriers between Turn 13 and Turn 15 LHS.
- Asphalt verge shortened to 1.5 m at the apex of Turn 6, Turn 13, Turn 14 and Turn 15.
- Concrete walls realigned between Turn 11 and Turn 12 on LHS.
- Removal of the bump at the entry of Turn 12.
- White line at the exit of Turn 9 has been moved to 1.5m distance to the back of the kerb.
- White line at the exit of Turn 19 has been moved to 1.5m distance to the back of the kerb.
- Width of white line doubled at exit of Turn 11, Turn 12, Turn 15 and Turn 20.
Moving on to the FIA stewarding panel for US GP, it will be led by Garry Connelly, who will have the support of Loic Bacquelaine, Derek Warwick and Dennis Dean. Elsewhere, the lead-up to the grand prix saw another off-track technical fight after certain F1 teams filed a complaint with the governing body as per Motorsport Network report.
The complaint related to the floor’s ‘bib’ or ‘t-tray’, which teams alleged that was being altered under parc ferme between qualifying and the grand prix. The FIA has noted in its regulation that the front bib or ride height can’t be altered under parc ferme and seemingly they found no team to be doing it.
However, Red Bull had a dialogue with the FIA and the governing body asked the team to change certain things which they have obliged to do so. “Yes, it exists although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run,” the team’s representative said to outlets like Motorsport Network, BBC, Planet Network and more.
“In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.” It is unclear if any other F1 team has been asked to do the same or who filed the complaint with the FIA. After McLaren’s rear wing drama, team principal Andrea Stella did note about having its own research.
It is unclear if Stella was referring to this case, as the Italian mentioned in the media about filing a complaint with the FIA. “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations,” noted the governing body’s spokesperson, when asked about any changes to come.
“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport. As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily modified. In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”
Here’s FIA Race Directors’ note in full: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2024%20United%20States%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Race%20Director’s%20Event%20Notes.pdf
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