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Drivers voice opinion to make changes to Paul Ricard Circuit ahead of race

Drivers voice opinion to make changes to Paul Ricard Circuit ahead of race

23-06-2018 08:00

Drivers from across the paddock have voiced their intentions of changing the track layout after the first day of practice in France. It’s the first time the F1 circus has visited the circuit in 28 years. 

During the FIA briefing last night, the issue was raised with some drivers suggesting removing the chicane on the Mistral straight will create more overtaking opportunities. When F1 previously raced here, the long back straight was uninterrupted until they shortened the circuit. 

“I think a long straight line will potentially create more overtakes,” said Brendon Hartley in an interview on speed cafe.com. 

“I don’t think it’ll happen for tomorrow [Saturday], but I’ve tested and races without the chicane. It makes things interesting because it’s less downforce with the long straight line, turn 10 becomes more of a corner, and so does the last sector with less downforce.”

Current world champion Lewis Hamilton also voiced his concerned. He also mentions how the circuit is difficult to navigate with so many options. 

“There’s a lot of different lines you can take, and it’s tricky to find reference points out on the track,” said Hamilton. 

“It’s difficult to tell where you are. There’s a couple of places, for example on the back straight where you’re trying to find out where the corner is.”

Meanwhile, the practice sessions have raised expectations for Daniel Ricciardo who said: “the layout was more fun than I thought.”