Track changes this year - any news?

[Darren]

No doubt someone will put me right......

Has there been any changes for the track this year both from a drivers point of view or spectators ?

Darren  

[Mr. Rick]

Apparently, there's been some resurfacing between Mulsanne Corner and Indianapolis. Source for that is John Hindhaugh via dailysportscar.net, so very reliable. Drove on that bit on the Saturday morning of the tests and didn't notice (but then I had only had 4 hours sleep in the back of the car!!).

From a "beerside" point of view, there are two new grandstands down by the Esses de la Foret that have just been announced.

Cheers

Rick

[Andy Zarse]

Hey Rickmeister,

Can you explain what's all this crap about whitelines maked on the track? I hear the drivers have been told to stay within the new lines and away from the corner apexes by up to a metre or so. This is not difficult for some of the paying drivers, they do that anyway, but is this for real?

PS. Bath for the Cup? On your bike. Bath for the drop next year more like. Bloody lucky this time mate!

[Mr. Rick]

Thanks for the support Andy   - it wasn't luck - it was destiny!!! (And you're right, we're destined for the drop next year at this rate. Got tickets for the final which could be the last game for Bath ever if this ridiculous merger happens  

Anyway, back to the subject in hand (oo-er missus). There were indeed white line rulings in a bid to prevent the amount of punctures the Audis (in particular) had last year, allegedly by gravel brought on to the track. But given the evidence below from the test day, looks like it was them in the first place!! There were a few penalties handed out during the tests, but the faster proto boys were doing this every lap, so making a bit of a mockery of it all. Will be interesting to note any further developments come race week, particularly regarding disqualified qually times etc...

[hgb]

They should rather change the sort of gravel they use in the traps. The stones are quite sharp and that was the problem last year. I think the current rule is a warning if you cross the line for the first time, a stop - go for the second time and an exclusion of the driver in case he crosses the white line for the third time. That's pretty harsh and could lead to a very short race. The new rule is crap.

[Ruptured Duck Motorsport]

In all homnesty that shot doesnt show a "kerb", just a painted bit of tarmac...   Build some real kerbing and I am sure they will keep off it  

[Chrisgr31]

So does this mean if a car does go off the circuit and end up in the gravel thats the end of the race for it?  Or is it allowed to continue as long as it makes its way back to the pits staying outside the white line?

[hgb]

Maybe yes, you never know the ACO. I reckon, they have to blow the race off after latest 2 hours if they stick to the new rule. Anyone in to bet against this ?

[Gilles]

No doubt someone will put me right......

Has there been any changes for the track this year both from a drivers point of view or spectators ?

Darren  

... the ACO decide, to make the race more attractive after 79 boring years, and despite a wonderful PQ, to make the cars drive in the other way !

[smokie]

In reverse?? That'd be fun...