F1 on track for increased cornering speeds

The most recent simulation data provided by the FIA points towards an increase of cornering speeds up to 40 km/h in certain corners.

The 2017 regulations overhaul has thoroughly put the emphasis on downforce with wider tyres and wider wings, with cars estimated to run approximately five seconds faster on most tracks compared to 2016.

"Every single team has been asked to provide simulations for their 2017 cars," explained F1 deputy race director Laurant Mekies at the Autosport International Show.

"We used these simulations to feed our simulation software. We therefore simulated every single track with the 2017 car, so there is much higher cornering speed. It's up to 40 km/h faster in high-speed corners.

• Melbourne beefs up safety in response to faster 2017 cars

The faster cars have compelled the FIA to ask for track changes at each venue, and indeed Melbourne has added additional safety and Tecpro barriers  around its Albert Park circuit.

"Every single track is receiving from the FIA a request to upgrade based on that. That process is ongoing; we are doing it in the order of the championship to be perfectly honest.

"Therefore, not all the tracks have received it yet, but they will. Melbourne is okay."

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