Melbourne beefs up safety in response to faster 2017 cars

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The Australian Grand Prix organisers have added additional safety barriers around the Albert Park venue in a precautionary measure linked with the increase in cornering speeds expected this year.

Formula 1's new technical regulations put the emphasis on downforce in 2017 with larger tyres and wings expected to boost corner speeds, forcing organisers to take the extra momentum into account with regard to safety?

Tecpro barriers will be installed at turn 12 in place of tyre walls, while the barriers at turns one, six and 14 shall be reinforced with an additional layer of safety according to Craig Moca, division manager of infrastructure at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

"At Turn 12 we used to have six rows of tyres, now what we’ve done is we’ve taken away three rows of tyres and implemented the Tecpro system," he explained to Motorsport.

"It’s one row of Tecpro barriers, and every five metres there’s a double Tecpro barrier, which essentially adds a buffer from the tyre wall."

One, six and 14 will have the current tyre walls doubled in depth, with added tube inserts to absorb any impact.

Prevention is better than cure they say...

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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.