To welcome F1 for the third time in its history, the Qatar Grand Prix has made many changes this year. It was mainly the track that the organizers tackled, after having inaugurated their state-of-the-art paddock.
Thus, the route has been somewhat retouched but not modified in its form. For example, after last year's track limits headache, and 51 race violations, gravel traps were placed at the exit of 8 of the 16 corners of the Losail circuit. Those affected are 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Without forgetting the pyramid-shaped curbs, criticized last year by drivers who pointed out a “skate” effect when they passed over them. Those of turns 1, 2, 4, 10, 12, 13 and 14 have therefore been flattened for this third edition of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Almost 200 meters less DRS
The other “new thing”, and not the least, concerns the DRS zone since this has also undergone some alterations which could have an impact on the Sunday show. During F1's previous visit to Qatar, drivers had the option of activating their movable rear wing 130 meters after exiting turn 16.
From now on, they will have to wait 305 meters before being able to use DRS on the start/finish straight, i.e. a reduced use of 175 meters. Let's see what impact this will have on overtaking on Sunday evening when it is the only real attack zone on the Losail route which only has a straight line.
READ ALSO > Track limits, curbs… Qatar makes changes for the return of F1
