FIA tweaks track limits at three corners for US GP

40

The FIA has intervened ahead of Sunday’s US Grand Prix to adjust track limits at three corners after complaints were expressed by drivers in Friday evening’s briefing in Austin.

Track limits have been a contentious issue in recent races, and especially in Qatar last time out where 51 lap times were deleted in the race at Lusail.

In Friday’s FP1 at The Circuit of the Americas, drivers were given a free pass due to the session practice stats but it has been reported that 76 lap times were deleted.

In qualifying however, Max Verstappen fell foul to the track limits at Turn 19 where the Red Bull charger ran wide on his final flyer, which subsequently led to the deletion of the Dutchman’s provisional pole.

Read also: Wolff calls for ‘reality check’ on ‘surreal’ €1M fines

Track limits were therefore a major talking point in Friday’s evening’s drivers’ briefing, with the collective complaints compelling the FIA to adjust limits at COTA’s Turns 9,12 and 19.

“Following discussion with the teams and drivers yesterday we have widened the white line on the outside at Turns 9, 12 and 19 - this is to give the drivers a bit of extra margin at these corners,” noted the FIA.

The changes, as experienced by drivers in Saturday’s Sprint Shootout, appeared to make a difference as Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was the only driver to trigger a deletion in the session.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.