Zandvoort experimenting with 'fake' gravel

This weekend's Dutch Grand Prix will see an experimental 'fake' gravel trap installed at the Turn 12 Hans Ernst chicane.

With last year's event frequently seeing cars drag gravel onto the asphalt, resulting in red flags in support races, Zandvoort organisers have elected to try an alternative to the asphalt run-off areas so prevalent at other F1 circuits.

In a special one-metre wide area behind the kerb at Turn 12, the gravel has been encased in a resin type material. This gives it the appearance of gravel while actually being totally solid.

Despite not having driven it yet, Daniel Ricciardo said was he in favour of the development.

"I know why they've tried something, because you just drop a wheel and it drags [onto the circuit]," Ricciardo told media including RacingNews365.com.

"I remember last year that corner was super dirty, so like I feel it's still going to be slippery if you go there, so you still pay a bit of a price, which is good, but I guess less [gravel] will get dragged on.

"When I heard, I was like 'that's weird', but it actually could be quite a smart thing.

"At Turn 1 in Spa, everyone was well behaved because there was gravel.

"I like gravel. It also looks spectacular when you drop a wheel. It's cool for the photographers."