FIA modifies barrier hit by Grosjean in Bahrain
The FIA has acted quickly to modify the Sakhir circuit in the light of Haas Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean's accident on the first lap of the Bahrain GP.
The modifications have been made prior to this weekend's race on the track's outer circuit, which includes the area where Grosjean crashed on the exit of Turn 3.
The most significant change is the addition of tyres and a conveyor belt to the barrier that the Frenchman's Haas made contact with, greatly reducing the chances of a repeat of the sort of impact that he suffered.
The concrete blocks which were put in place for the race restart after the damaged section was removed have been replaced with new steel barriers.
There have also been changes to Turn 9 of the outer circuit – which in effect is a much faster version of Turn 13 on the standard track.
A kerb prior to Turn 9 has also been removed because of concerns about a car getting airborne.
Such changes are not made lightly as they have an effect on the FIA homologation of the circuit, but procedures exist for them to be made should circumstances require.
The FIA noted: "Following a review of the recent Bahrain FIA Formula One World Championship event with the FIA F1 Race Director, the FIA Circuit Inspector and the FIA Safety Department, the following changes will be made to the Bahrain International Outer Circuit in advance of this weekend's forthcoming Sakhir Grand Prix.
"Two rows of tyres with conveyor belt will be installed on the right hand side between T3 and T4.
"The tyre barrier on the right hand side of T9 will be extended and increased in depth to four rows of tyres with conveyor belt
The right hand kerb between T8 and T9 will be removed to reduce the risk of a car becoming airborne while the outer circuit layout is being used.
"These changes are in accordance with Article 5 of the FIA Circuit Licence conditions of issue, and as such the current FIA Grade 1 licence for all configurations of Bahrain International circuit remains valid."
Related video
Previous article
How the FIA will investigate Grosjean's accident
Next article
Steiner: Haas willing to “take a risk” on Mazepin superlicence
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Sakhir GP |
| Author | Adam Cooper |
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The themes to watch in F1's Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. Ben Anderson looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
