Sainz: New references needed on resurfaced Red Bull Ring

Toro Rosso ace Carlos Sainz says the recent resurfacing of the Red Bull Ring, home of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, means teams and drivers will have to “reset their references”.

The renovation took place as part of extension works that include re-designing and re-opening parts of the old Österreichring that had hosted Formula One from 1970 to 1987. The track was shortened and re-named as A1-Ring to welcome the sport back from 1997 and 2003.

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz then purchased the venue and completed the required facelift, with the rebranded Red Bull Ring returning to the F1 calendar in 2014.

“I always look forward to racing at the Red Bull Ring, it's a track I enjoy.” Sainz said.

“The track has been fully resurfaced this year, so we will need to reset our references. I'd call it our second home Grand Prix because this is Red Bull's land!”

Describing a lap around the Spielberg venue, the Spaniard added: “Turn 1 is a medium-speed fourth-gear corner and it's important to get a good exit out of here.

“Turn 2 is uphill and you can enjoy very good views of the Austrian mountains from up here! You then get to Turn 3, where it's easy to front- lock the tyres but is also a good overtaking point.

“The section between Turns 4 and 7 is all downhill and includes the only two left-hand corners of the track. You then arrive to Turn 8, also downhill and therefore easy to make a mistake. The entry to pits is tricky here.

“The ninth and final turn has a massive bump mid-corner, so it's crucial to avoid it to gain lap-time.”

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