S Poddar
Formula 1 might have finally found a lasting solution to its track limit problems, thanks to the new kerb and gravel trap system introduced at the Red Bull Ring
On Thursday, F1 teams got their first look at the innovative changes implemented at several corners of the Austrian Grand Prix track. F1 race director Niels Wittich expressed optimism, calling it a “perfect set-up.”
The Red Bull Ring has historically struggled with track limits, recording over 1200 violations during last year’s Austrian GP. Clearly, something needed to change. This year, the FIA has made significant revisions to certain areas of the circuit to address the issue comprehensively.
Instead of merely adding gravel traps behind the kerbs, the solution is more intricate. The new approach ensures drivers cannot breach track limits without encountering the gravel. This design also allows for easy adjustments of the kerbs for future motorbike events.
Central to this solution is the precise painting of the white lines that mark the circuit’s edge, which drivers must stay within. The kerb width in front of the gravel trap to the white line has been reduced to 1.5 meters, compared to the standard two meters at other F1 venues. This change makes it impossible for cars to exceed the white line without hitting the gravel trap. Given that an F1 car is two meters wide, and F2 (1.9 meters) and F3 (1.885 meters) cars are also too wide, the new width effectively prevents breaches.
The kerb’s narrowing was achieved by relocating the white line higher up the kerb, with the area in front painted black to blend with the circuit. Another addition is a blue line to aid visual reference for video analysis, addressing past issues where the white line and kerb elements were indistinguishable.
Wittich shared his optimism about the new system, noting positive feedback from drivers. “It ends all discussions about whether drivers gain time or not. I’m confident there won’t be any track limits issues,” he said.
The new kerb solution has been applied to the final corners of the Red Bull Ring, with similar changes at Turns 4, 6, and 8. Here, the white lines have been moved to make the kerb effectively 1.8 meters wide before the gravel trap. At Turns 1 and 3, sausage kerbs remain to guide drivers.
Wittich hopes this solution will be effective at all tracks, especially those hosting both cars and bikes. “We believe this set-up is beneficial for both bikes and cars and will make it easier for tracks to maintain,” he concluded.
