The FIA has changed the wall in the run-off area at Turn 1 ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
New for this year, concrete blocks lined with tec-pro barriers were installed further around the exit on the outside of Turn 1.
Previously, no such protection has been there.
In decades past a gravel trap arrested cars, but that has been replaced by tarmac more latterly.
The nature of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is such that the first corner, a 90-degree left-hander that feeds into a 180-degree right-hander.
As recently as last year, the layout left open the possibility of a car with brake failure careering through the run-off at the end of the pit straight and into a car exiting Turn 2.
Secure your spot today.
The addition of a wall this year was designed to cover the risk of a t-bone style accident from occurring.
However, it had the unintended consequence of making rejoins both more difficult and, in some instances, more dangerous.
That is due to the fact drivers had to navigate around the wall, before steering hard right to join the track on the run out of Turn 2.
The alternative was to spin the car around and drive back onto the circuit at the entry of Turn 2.
The latter option meant cars had to essentially drive against the direction of travel of the circuit, while the former spat cars out at an awkward angle – ironically exposing them to the prospect of being t-boned.
In the updated version of FIA director Niels Wittich’s event notes, in the section ‘Changes to the Circuit’, an additional reads: “Concrete wall shortened by (1) one element in the run-off at Turn 1.”
Speaking prior to the change, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri said: “I’ve had one trip through the grass.
“It was not the safest of rejoins, even with the best I could do, and I’ve seen some of the other attempts to follow and it’s quite incredible.
“So I hope the wall goes.”
Team-mate Lando Norris added: “It’ll be changing from what I’ve heard, and I pray to God that it does.”
Discussion about this post