Romain Grosjean says he has no concerns over the extent of run-off at the Mugello, which will hold its first Formula 1 race this weekend.
F1 teams last tested at the circuit in 2012, when some drivers voiced concerns over how safe the circuit was. Car performance and cornering speeds have increased significantly since then.But Grosjean, who participated in the test eight years ago and is one of the directors of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, says he is happy with the safety standards at the track and the extensive use of gravel instead of asphalt in its run-off areas.
“I think there is [enough run-off],” he said in response to a question from RaceFans. “The FIA has got much more simulating tools to find out.
“It’s good to see a circuit where we have gravel and not run-off with Tarmac or so on. They really closed down the problem of track limits.
“So I’m very happy that we are here. It’s very similar to Suzuka in a way and I think we are all looking forward to it.”
Grosjean expects modern F1 cars will be “absolutely mega” to drive around the 15-turn circuit, where minimum speeds are projected to be no lower than 120kph.
“Obviously 2012 is a long time ago [but] I do remember a bit of that testing. But with the new generation of cars it’s going to be absolutely outstanding. So I’m really looking forward to drive it.
“Maybe for the overtaking, maybe it’s not the best in the world. But for driving and enjoying ourselves I think it’s going to be very high on the list.”
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BasCB (@bascb)
11th September 2020, 7:23
Well, I guess we can wish them to enjoy themselves then. And not end up in the gravel traps!
Nitzo (@webtel)
11th September 2020, 8:33
I really hope we dont have any major incidents with all these fast corners and the circuit being relatively new to some drivers.
Keith Campbell (@keithedin)
11th September 2020, 11:32
@webtel Must be a higher chance of safety cars and red flags than usual. But as long as no one gets hurt then it could help keep the race interesting.
Nitzo (@webtel)
11th September 2020, 12:51
@keithedin
safety car appearance tend to spice things up…atleast for a few laps. so why not even if it is for something minor like gravel on track.
lets hope for an interesting race.
cookie71 (@paulcook)
11th September 2020, 9:26
I thought the reason we don’t have gravel at other circuits is so the bikes can run on them safely?
miro312_67
11th September 2020, 9:49
prediction… granny pace drive in the first part of the race to save the rubber, waiting for a safety car when someone ends up in that gravel. at least it should be a spectacular quali
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
11th September 2020, 11:24
By biggest concern for Mugello is the pit lane entry is right on the racing line on the fastest point on the track.
I’m a little bit worried that we might end up with a repeat of the old Berger and Patrese Estoril incident.
Zero Headroom
11th September 2020, 13:32
This comes from the clown that requires deeper gravel traps.
Goodbye Romain, we won’t miss you.l