Did anyone know Canada track had been changed?

[Crash and Burn]

Reports that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Canada has been modified ahead of Sunday's race have been proved correct as the Formula One™ motor racing community arrive in Montreal.
The exit to the pit lane has been extended so that cars will now rejoin the track after the first chicane, rather than just before it.

At the last corner, Turn 13 or the 'Welcome Walls', there have also been changes. Following a spate of accidents in Friday practice last year, circuit officials have instructed that the concrete wall be moved further away from the track and a tyre barrier has been constructed between the track and the wall for the first time.

The serrated nature of the kerb on the opposite side of the track has also been reduced, as last year this is believed to have contributed to the number of cars being propelled across the tarmac and into the walls.


Both modifications should improve the safety features already incorporated into the track, especially on Friday when a dusty track sees a low level of traction for the cars' first experience of the circuit this year.
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This could be fun

[Y! da Man!]

yep i'd heard about the welcome walls part....

[paul-collins]

Autosport had a little picture of the new entrance, I believe.

[Jay]

See the trackside forum 'Montreal GP' topic for a pic of our own djb standing at the new pit exit.

I thought you'd like the extra attention Dave .

There's a few other minor changes, but nothing that should affect the way the drivers approach the track (except for maybe taking more risks)

[Kex]

Just as long as they don't bring back that crappy chicane that was used for the 94/95 races.

[Ian-S]

I thought this was all done for the CART race, nothing to do with the F1

[RWC]

I would have thought REDUCING the concrete runoff next to the wall by the last corner would be the simplest way.They ONLY go so close to the wall because the track runs so close to it...!To be fair,maybe they had track with problems too.I hope they've looked at why the second last corner seems to keep getting dirt on it.The year shuey and a BUNCH of others went off there was entirely from dirt on the track at the entrance to the chicane.Naturaly the media focused on the 'fact' that shuey made a 'mistake',damon fell off 'again' & jaques 'lost it under pressure'.Cast iron idiots they are

[freeze]

1- I believe the modifications at the hairpin (being a lot wider now) will give some drivers different lines to use and ultimetly some great racing.

2- Although I think the change in the pit lane exit is a great improvement, I wonder how the drivers will handle the short drag strip to the Senna curve (part 2). It will be full speed for about 200 feet + before joining the track with a sharp left. You should also see the white line (the stewart will be busy over the weekend as I expect some drivers to crossover). It look so awkward where they drawed it.

We'll have the anwser tomorrow.