MotoGP: Barcelona-Catalunya modifies its route

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has started work to modify its turn #10, on the recommendation of the FIA ​​and the FIM.

The idea of ​​changing the “La Caixa” curve, located at the end of the second straight, at the entrance to the legendary stadium area, is the result of a study that the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) have jointly developed over the past season. The objective is to improve safety conditions in automobile and motorcycle competitions.

Traditionally, the Formula 1 track used the inside variant (#2) of turn 10, while MotoGP used the historic layout (#1). After the fatal accident of Moto2 rider Luis Salom at the former penultimate corner in 2016, however, the FIM decided to use the same layout as the cars due to the proximity of the track barrier at turn 10.

For the 2021 season, it was decided to build a new and unique variant (#3) halfway between the old layout and the last one used. This modification will make it possible to partially return to the origins of the route while increasing safety by widening the escape route from the old curve.

Last December, the Circuit published a press release in which it said: “ In January, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will modify the layout of the current turn 10, located at the entrance to the legendary Stadium area. This project, which has been studied in recent seasons with the FIA ​​and FIM, will widen the corner clearance, thus increasing the safety distance and returning to the origins of the track. »

The work has started and this new route will inevitably have repercussions on the times...