United States GP, new measures for track limits: more cameras and gravel at COTA

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Last season, after the United States Grand Prix, Haas decided to take action by lodging a protest regarding alleged track limit violations that had gone unpunished by the FIA.

In fact, in the days following the U.S. race, it emerged that several drivers had repeatedly exceeded track limits, going beyond the white line, particularly at turn six, a section where drivers tend to cut inside over the curb. However, that part of the track had not been monitored as closely as other areas, like the final corner, where it is easier to place cameras specifically for verifying potential infractions.

In the end, while acknowledging the existence of issues related to track limits, the FIA declared that external monitoring of specific corners was not considered sufficient to provide an accurate judgment on whether drivers had crossed the white lines. The issue remained a focal point, and according to Motorsport.com, the organizers in Austin decided to make a series of modifications to the circuit to try to reduce track limit problems.

With the resurfacing of the Circuit of the Americas this year, which was also done to eliminate those annoying bumps, the opportunity was taken to address the problems that had arisen in recent years.

“It was mainly done to eliminate the bumps. Some parts of the track were 12 years old, so it was time," said Bobby Epstein, promoter of the Austin race.

“I know Max [Verstappen] gave a rather negative review last year. So I hope to hear something positive. I'm sure we'll hear, ‘This is a completely new track. It's fantastic.'”

Considering the situation that arose last year, it appears that Austin has made several modifications to the circuit that should prevent a repeat of the scenario this season.

In several areas of the track, the edges of the asphalt have been narrowed by 1.5 meters and replaced with a grassy strip that should prevent drivers from fully exceeding them, particularly in the internal sections of turns 6 (the one that caused many complaints last year), 13, 14, and 15. Additionally, in case the grass is not enough, to help control potential track limit problems, Austin’s organizers have also added cameras in “strategic points” that should help better monitor cars going over the white line with all four tires. This is a crucial aspect, especially if these cameras are fixed because, after Oscar Piastri‘s time was disallowed in Austria, it was agreed that the cameras must provide the same image for all drivers.

Moreover, a change has been made to the exit of turn 11, the left-hand hairpin leading to the back straight. Previously, there was a run-off area with bumps at the exit, but now it has been equipped with a gravel-filled area with resin. This "fake" gravel has already been tested in Zandvoort in recent years, acting as a deterrent for drivers, but without stones spilling onto the track in case of passage.

However, this is only an experiment, as Austin needs to balance the needs of Formula 1 with those of MotoGP.

Bobby Epstein, the promoter of the Austin race, explained how difficult it is to balance the two: “There are some areas where it’s challenging because if you’re running both MotoGP and F1 on the same track, one wants gravel in an area where the other doesn't. You can't have both, and you can't cut the track and put gravel, then flip it over and hope it stays waterproof when there's clay underneath. So there's a challenge to tackle.”

Other curbs around the track have also been replaced, and drains have been added to improve wet conditions.

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