The Catalan Grand Prix will experience a major evolution in 2018 with a new surface and finally a return to the original route of Turn 13. After the tragic death of Luis Salom, several variants were tried, much tighter and slower.
Finally, after a serious period of tension between Dorna and Joan Fontseré, the director of the circuit, the latter agreed to review his copy and carry out new large-scale work.
These will consist of a classic resurfacing of the track, which has become a little too bumpy for the taste of the drivers, as well as a return to the old layout, with a curve number 13 identical to that of the accident but with, of course , a clearance zone largely enlarged by the movement of grandstand H towards the last curve of the circuit. The drivers accepted this development during the meeting of the Safety Commission of the Aragon Grand Prix.
The work will theoretically begin at the very beginning of the year (depending on the weather) so that the circuit will be ready in February.
Immediately after the Grand Prix of France (May 20), the team trucks will head to Barcelona so that the drivers can test the new surface on May 22 and 23, while the Catalan GP will take place on June 17.
Photo © Michelin
Source: MotoGP
