Gravel trap calls rejected
- Published on 07 Nov 2016 12:13
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- By: Dominik Wilde
The FIA has rejected calls to reintroduce gravel traps at circuits.
Over the last decade, a number of gravel traps at Formula One circuits have been replaced by concrete and grass run-off areas.
At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, there was controversy over both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen cutting the first turn, with only the latter being punished.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya thinks there is a solution.
"Put in gravel traps and all the debates stop," the Colombian told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
Daniel Ricciardo agrees
"I'm a fan of gravel, because it punishes you. If you don't get stuck, you have rocks on the tyres and in the sidepods, so you're not getting an advantage."
But the German publication says that tyre supplier Pirelli isn't keen on the idea
"Pirelli is already complaining that there are too many stones around that damage the tyres," an FIA source is quoted as saying. "With gravel this would be even worse."
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Replies (5)
Login to replyHemex
Posts: 1,305
And rightly so. It would not add one iota to the already lacking entertainment to see Safety Cars parading the circuit while cars are towed away. Can't imagine there isn't an architect in the world who could design a surface that can safely reduce the speed of an F1 car without turning it upside down. Just a little bumpy would do the trick. Right now those grassy lanes are an invitation to cut corners, with time to spare to wave at the other drivers that are stupid enough to follow the track.
ringo
Posts: 3,633
or just a sand trap :p , a stroke of 1.5Meter...if like hamilton past his bottom collied on the grass to hard properly he have to break further on the grass so he will have no advantage, sandtrap lift the car a bit so it could damage the car also.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But it will also drag down the race pace in some track areas into a snail, and I dont think thats a wise idea. Besides, imagine the pain to remove all the gravel from the cars.
Hemex
Posts: 1,305
I'm more concerned about the gravel on the track than on the car, frankly. But that's a real problem that drivers can do without. Makes life dangerous, and that's something the FIA is allergic to right now.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, that too, and as you say thats a safety risk, but gravel traps would probably also mean that drivers would take less risks, and we dont want that.