Barcelona confirms layout change for 2023 Spanish GP

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The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona has been given the green light by the FIA to change its track configuration for next June's Spanish Grand Prix.

Since 2007, Formula 1 has run at the Spanish venue with a chicane breaking down the speed of cars just before the track's final right-hand corner.

But such a configuration greatly limited overtaking opportunities for drivers down Barcelona's main straight and practically rendered ineffective F1's DRS.

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The circuit thus sought a Grade 1 licence homologation from the FIA for its altered, faster lay-out, which it has obtained.

Barcelona can now choose its layout for all FIA-sanctioned events.

New TECPRO barriers will be installed at the last two, sweeping right-hand corners while the official length of the Grand Prix track will be 4.657 kilometres, or metres shorter than the previous configuration.

Other track changes include a widening of the run-off area in Turn 1, including 70 more metres of gravel plus a slope of 5%, and a new fence protecting Turns 1 and 2 to improve safety.

At the end of the pitlane, a new more modern timing tower will be built in time for this year's race.

The Spanish Grand Prix will take place on June 4, just a week after Monaco, and will be the seventh round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

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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.