Monaco has strengthened the security of its circuit for 2012

The Automobile Club de Monaco, responsible for organizing the Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1, recently announced modifications to the track for the 2012 race. Officials have decided to alter the Monaco circuit in certain areas to improve the safety of drivers and the spectators present for the race.

The changes made are the result of a reflection with the FIA, as explained by the ACM in its press release: Last year, immediately after the conclusion of the 69th edition of the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix, the officials of the Automobile Club de Monaco, in collaboration with the Race Director of the F1 World Championship and Safety Delegate, Charlie Whiting, met with the aim of optimizing safety on the Monaco circuit and making the most appropriate modifications.

The ACM has decided to carry out work at the tunnel exit to remove the bump that destabilizes drivers during braking – this was notably the case for Sergio Pérez last year. The Mexican driver lost control of his Sauber at that location before violently hitting the protection placed at the chicane. This protection has also been moved back following requests from the FIA.

« All the work requested by the FIA has been carried out, it includes:

– Access to the track at the Pit Lane exit is expanded from 10 to 20 meters by removing a planter, allowing for much quicker reintegration of cars onto the track;

– After laser analysis by a specialized company, the road from the tunnel exit to the chicane has been planed up to 20cm in certain areas to eliminate the bump, but also to remove the camber changes;

– The impact point of the chicane has been moved back by 14.6m;

– The ground surface of the escape area at the chicane and the Mirabeau corner has been made with an abrasive braking surface similar to the HTTT Paul Ricard circuit.

– The pneumatic shock absorbers that previously equipped the St Dévote corner and the right entrance of the “S” of the swimming pool have been replaced by new generation TecPro barriers;

– As every year, a third of the track has been resurfaced, between the tunnel exit and the Rascasse.

Beyond a permanent effort of self-assessment to improve the safety of the Monaco circuit, these works also contribute to the modernization of the circuit to ensure it remains one of the best in the world: « Safety is the constant concern of the Monaco Grand Prix organizers. The training of the track marshals, considered the best in the F1 Championship, is proof of this. These various operations primarily aim to ensure the safety of the drivers and the public and furthermore demonstrate a continuous desire to modernize the circuit. »