Drivers call for changes to pitlane entry

Avatar image for Khoo1992
Khoo1992

2472

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 68

User Lists: 0

#1 Khoo1992
Member since 2005 • 2472 Posts

Formula One drivers are pushing for changes to be made to the pitlane entry at Fuji for tomorrow amid fears that its current design is dangerous.

Drivers approach the pitlane entry at almost 300km/h and have to negotiate a quick right-left flick next to the barriers before having to brake for the speed limiter line.

Several drivers feel that any mistake made on the pitlane entry will result in a big crash and they plan to consult with FIA race director Charlie Whiting at their briefing this evening to discuss what can be done.

One suggestion is for the pitlane speed limit line to be moved in front of the corner to slow the cars down earlier as they enter the pits.

Giancarlo Fisichella said: "It is a little bit dangerous because when we brake to go into the pitlane we are around 300km/h and it is a bit tricky. It is not safe.

"We need to put maybe the speed limiter before the corner, but I don't know if we can do something for tomorrow."

Jarno Trulli added: "It is quite narrow and quick into the pits, so obviously it is not that easy or safe. Maybe we can change the approach so we go straight into the pits like at Monza.

"But for tomorrow I don't know what we can do. I don't know if we can even change the (speed limiter) line, because that will change the whole weekend in terms of strategy. I don't know what is possible."

Rubens Barrichello said: "The track is okay. The most difficult corner on the circuit is the entry to the pitlane. It's far too dangerous. You come in flat out and have a blind section.

"My suggestion would be to bring the white line before the pitlane corner, the kink. That would be my option. That's what I'm going to suggest at the drivers' briefing."

But not all drivers were unhappy with the design.

Renault's Heikki Kovalainen said: "I think it is quite exciting. It is a nice chicane and if you get it wrong you are going to have a big accident. We will have to be careful."

autosport.com

Avatar image for aloushi87
aloushi87

2515

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#2 aloushi87
Member since 2003 • 2515 Posts

The drivers also complained from Spa's pit entry. The FIA should work harder on the pitlane entry's issue.

Avatar image for cjek
cjek

14327

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#3 cjek
Member since 2003 • 14327 Posts
Well unpredictability is just one of those things in F1 that we just get less and less of these days thanks to exaggerated safety measures, so dangerous pit entries are welcome in my book. I'm not saying all the new safety measures are stupid, but ones which involve adding 50m runoff areas to the first corner of a race just detract from the driver skill and the entertainment. I want to see crap drivers ramming into other crap drivers on the first corner, not cutting entire chicanes. The pit entry should be a challenge too.
Avatar image for Redders1989
Redders1989

13410

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#4 Redders1989
Member since 2006 • 13410 Posts

Well the safety of the drivers does have to come first obviously, but completely disregarding what I've just said...

HERE HERE, CJEK! Totally agree with you. Everyone might move out of the way though if they're around Yamamoto in the first corner ;)