Autosportfoto

Russian Grand Prix: Changes made at Turn 2 to deter corner cutting

The FIA has made changes to the second corner of the Russian Grand Prix's Formula 1 track in a bid to deter drivers from cutting the track.

Speed bumps have been added at Turn 2 of the Sochi circuit, while the kerbs have been altered as well.

The tight right-hander is the first major braking zone around the lap and has been the scene of many incidents in the past of drivers running wide, especially on the first lap of the race.

Because of the run-off area on the outside of the corner, going in too quick can result in a better acceleration for Turn 3.

In a bid to stop this, the FIA has told F1 teams and drivers that new 50mm-high orange speed bumps have been placed three metres from the edge of the track at the exit of Turn 2.

Drivers have been told that if they do run wide they will have to drive around a long kerb before being able to rejoin the circuit.

A note from F1 race director Charlie Whiting said: "Any driver who fails to negotiate Turn 2 by using the track, and who passes completely to the left of the orange kerb element on the apex, must then keep to the left of the second new orange kerb element on the edge of the artificial grass and rejoin the track safely at the start of Turn 3."

Zdroj: autosport.com