Environment of the circuit – Gravel trap extended in turns 12-13 Acque Minerale. May 16, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Stage 7, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola, Italy, Preparation Day.
Formula 1 drivers are thrilled to witness the implementation of gravel traps at Piratella, Acque Minerale, and Variante Alta on the renowned Imola circuit before this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The inclusion of gravel in the run-off areas of these corners, introduced before the FIA World Endurance Championship event at the circuit last month, aims to address the issue of exceeding track limits.
For a long time, drivers have expressed concerns that the extensive asphalt run-off areas at many modern circuits are the main cause of the numerous penalties applied during a GP weekend.
Kevin Magnussen, who has accumulated numerous penalty points this season for going off track and gaining an advantage, led the praise for the incorporation of gravel traps, drawing parallels with his racing experiences in the United States.
The Danish driver has competed in both IndyCar and IMSA and stated: “One aspect that stood out was the tracks and how they are notably different from F1 circuits. The cars there are low too. We jump in the sports cars there. I don’t see that as something very different from here.”
“I’m sitting next to many drivers here, but I feel we are very sensitive to track-related issues in Formula 1,” Magnussen added during the press conference in Imola on Thursday. “I like rougher tracks. I prefer those, but in terms of racing, tracks that have grass or gravel on the outside establish a natural limit, and that is resolved. So, I believe this is also a problem in Formula 1, just the tracks in general.
Pierre Gasly from Alpine was present during the press conference in Imola on Thursday alongside Magnussen and echoed similar sentiments regarding track limits issues and the importance of gravel traps.
“Just like Kevin mentioned, this sets the limit,” the Frenchman stated. “And I think it works well. If you exceed the limits, you will face penalties and cannot escape the consequences. So, I believe we should eliminate the whole topic of track limits, which is great.”
“If you make a mistake, you will face the consequences. And I really believe that’s how it should be, because with all these run-off areas and asphalt, sometimes you can get away with exceeding the limits, experience lock-ups, try different approaches, go off track and return without much disadvantage. This has deviated a bit from how it used to be in the past.”
“And I think most drivers have been advocating for this direction. It’s fantastic to see that F1 has responded positively and decided to implement these changes here.”
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