F1 Belgian GP changes: Some very significant changes have been made to prevent the F2 2019 like incident which claimed Anthoine Hubert’s life.
If Imola is for Aryton Senna, Suzuka for Jules Bianchi, then Spa will always be remembered for Anthoine Hubert. The young French starlet suffered a horrific death at last season’s F2 Championship race here. The driver he crashed with, Juan Manuel Correa, is with us, but still recovering from the injuries sustained.
The FIA report had this to say on the tragic incident, which claimed the life of the rising superstar. He had tasted success in multiple races in that level and was gradually climbing up the Renault ladder.
“Following the impact and energy absorption by the barrier, the car was ejected and continued to travel in the racing direction while rotating, such that the left-hand side of the chassis was facing oncoming cars in the run-off area of turn four. ”
F1 Belgian GP changes at the Spa Circuit
Keeping this in mind, the FIA has made few notable changes to the Spa-Francorchamps ahead of the race this weekend. It is hoped these changes will go a long way in improving safety conditions at this brilliant racing circuit.
- The length of the wall on the right-hand side at the exit of Turn 1 (Endurance Pit Entry) has been extended. There is also a wider pit exit now, with the wall on the old pitlane entry extended till the pit exit at Turn 1.
- There has been a line extension of kerb along the existing kerb at Turn 2, as a safety precaution.
- The four-row tyre barrier at the exit of the Raidillon Turn 4 has been extended. This is where the aforementioned fatal crash took place.
- Finally, all of the artificial grass (astroturf) around the track has been removed.
All of these changes should ensure much safer races this season, as well in the seasons ahead. The Spa circuit offers delightful racing, and it should be the case this weekend too.
