Feb05

Catalunya's new final sequence

Plan of the Catalunya final turn changes

Anew chicane will slow cars into the final sweeping turn at Barclona's Circuit de Catalunya as part of a general safety upgrade.

The Spanish Grand Prix host circuit has added a new link road to slow entry into the pit lane entrance and New Holland curve. Bikes will continue to use the original corner.

The changes are part of a package of enhancements, which include bigger run-off areas at Würth bend, with the retaining wall moved 6 metres further away from the racing line.

Spectators also benefit, with two new bridges across a railway line linking the front straight grandstands with car parks at the rear. These replace temporary bridges that were only available for the F1 and MotoGP races previously. New toilets have also been installed in the grandstand areas.

Competitors will enjoy a resurfaced paddock, while the completion of new buildings for the racing school has freed up six extra pit garages, bringing the number available to 48.

The changes were first mooted in 2003, but implementation was delayed for several years while other alterations were made to the track.


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