The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will return to running Formula 1 races without the final chicane in a bid to improve overtaking chances. Promoters of the Spanish Grand Prix have confirmed the return of the old circuit layout, after seeking approval from the FIA earlier this year. The chicane at Turns 14 and 15 was added in 2007 for safety reasons, prior to which cars would run at high speed through two fast right-handers onto the start/finish straight. To run without the chicane the track had to make tweaks to the run-off area and safety systems at the corner - including adding new TECPRO barriers at the final two corners - to ensure they comply with FIA Grade 1 circuit safety standards. This enabled the governing body to homologate the track with the updated configuration at the beginning of 2023, however the layout with the chicane will remain in place. "Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been homologated both with and without the chicane for the rest of the motor racing competitions that use the Grand Prix layout," said a circuit spokesperson. "It will be up to each promoter or championship to decide which one will be used in each case."
Run-off area widened at Turn 1
In addition to these changes the circuit also confirmed that there will be a wider run-off at Turn 1, along with a remodelling of the scoreboard at pit exit. "A first phase of works has already been completed there, which has enlarged the area with 70 metres of gravel and a slope of approximately 5% and has installed a new FIA fence protecting turns 1 and 2, thus significantly improving the safety of the drivers and riders," said the circuit. "Something that will catch the attention of the participants, but also of the spectators, is the remodelling of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya scoreboard, located at the pit lane exit. "This season, the Circuit will have a new signalling tower, a much more modern one that will continue to add character to one of the most iconic points of the facilities." The Spanish Grand Prix is the eighth round of the new season and will be held on Sunday 4th June 2023.
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