04/11/2004
NEWS STORY
The Circuit de Catalunya's new asphalt will be ready for the 2005 season.
The asphalting work will commence in December, after the F1 tests scheduled for November, and end on January 15th. The current tarmac is 15 years old.
While the new asphalt is being laid, modifications will be carried out at Elf and Seat.
According to Fidel Sust, the circuit's general manager; "we have decided to asphalt in December because it's the best period to do it. Thanks to the season low temperatures, tarmac will harden faster. Moreover, in December the Circuit's occupation is lower because of Christmas holidays in many companies, even if the paddock, the schools and other facilities will be in operation as usual."
F1 testing will re-commence at Barcelona on January 18th, as the teams prepare for the 2005 season.
This is the third major work carried out at the Spanish track since 1991. The Nissan chicane was removed in 1995. Also in 1995 the stretch which divides the circuit into two independent tracks was built. And last year the new stretch at La Caixa was completed.