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FIA adds tyre barrier to guardrail hit by Grosjean

The FIA has added an extra layer of protection to Sakhir's Turn 3, the scene of Romain Grosjean's terrifying in crash in last Sunday's Bahrain GP.

This weekend's second round of racing at Sakhir will take place on the track's shorter outer loop. However, the layout will include the first sequence of corners form last weekend's race where disaster struck on the opening lap.

The portion of damaged guardrail at Turn 3 has been replaced by new Armco, but a tyre barrier has also been added at the spot as an additional precaution.

Read also: FIA sheds light on how it's investigating Grosjean crash

Other changes include the removal of a kerb on the approach to the fast right-hand Turn 9 kink (part of Sakhir's Turn 13 corner on the standard track) to help reduce the risk of a car getting airborne in the event of a contact.

Also, the FIA noted that "a tyre barrier on the right hand side of T9 will be extended and increased in depth to four rows of tyres with conveyor belt.

"These changes are in accordance with Article 5 of the FIA Circuit Licence conditions of issue, and as such the current FIA Grade 1 licence for all configurations of Bahrain International circuit remains valid," stated the governing body.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.