The controversial final chicane at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been removed ahead of this year's Grand Prix.

The chicane was added in 2007 in a bid to aid overtaking, however, in recent years it has been the scene of numerous 'traffic jams' as drivers seek a gap ahead of their qualifying runs and therefore become a safety issue.

In order to carry out the change, the FIA demanded new TECPRO barriers at the final two corners.

Stuart Robertson, Head of Circuit and Rally Safety at the FIA, and Niels Wittich, Formula 1 Race Director and Safety Delegate, were in charge of approving this modification during their inspection of the track at the end of January, which also included the approval of a new much wider run-off area at Turn 1 where a 70 metre gravel run-off has been installed along with a new safety fence at Turns 1 and 2, thus significantly improving the safety of drivers.

With this modification, the Barcelona track can continue to host races while a second phase of works is being carried out which affects the service roads surrounding the area and a part of the public area. This second phase is scheduled to be finished by the end of March.

The iconic 'scoreboard' at the pit lane exit has also been remodelled, organisers having installed new "more modern" signalling tower.

Other work carried out at the track includes painting, replacing some of the kerbs and renewing tyres barriers.

The former hospitality areas known as Corporate Lounges will feature a new layout and become open-plan, while the permanent toilets in the fan areas will also be refurbished in time for the 2023 season.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by elsiebc, 28/02/2023 15:24

"So if the chicane did what they wanted it to do (which I'm sure all their data would have shown that it was a good idea to begin with since they are not saying it didn't) and the problem is with backing cars up during quali, wouldn't you just find another way to deal with that half hour of track time over the course of a whole grand prix weekend rather than getting rid of it altogether and making overtaking more difficult again? Unless, of course, it did not do what they originally intended but are unwilling to admit as much and prefer to hide behind a lame excuse.

To me it's just another example of "progressive" thinking and the "change is good" mantra.
"We have this problem so we'll make this change from A to B."
"Here, here!" "Capital idea, old chap!" "Such a visionary!"
"We have this problem so we'll make this change from B to A."
"Such forward thinking!" "This man's a genius, a leader for the ages!"
"

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2. Posted by Endre, 27/02/2023 13:27

"Finally a decision that makes sense.It only took them 15 years to realize what garbage that chicane was."

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Final chicane removed at Barcelona

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