[LM24] La Sarthe/Arnage Track and Other Changes

[nobster]

watching the drivers throwing their cars through the Ford Chicane is always a must for me during practice.

[Coach Ep]

I've never been a fan of chicanes, doesn't matter where or when they were erected.

Point regarding Ford chicane <-> FIA taken though Pascal!

[TF110]

And now there are reports that the red inner curbs are gone at Ford Chicane...

[deggis]

Another reference to the grass=tarmac plan:

Whilst there are set to be further minor changes next year with the grass between track and armco to be replied by tarmac between Mulsanne Corner and Indianapolis, that section survives unscathed for 2014.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/?p=31803

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by deggis

Another reference to the grass=tarmac plan:



http://www.dailysportscar.com/?p=31803

I think all the references have come from the same vague release from the ACO. I'd really love someone like Graham to ask the ACO about it during race week to get the official line on it. Basically, is it as bad as we all fear.

[Deleted]

Worst case scenario: Everything between Mulsanne corner and start of the curves is filled with tarmac

Slightly less annoying but still bad scenario: grass between Mulsanne corner and Indianapolis + grass between Arnage and start of the curves is replaced by tarmac but Indy+Arnage runoffs stay as gravel and barriers not pushed back

The good scenario: they say **** it after all and do nothing

Interestingly, Karun Chandhok said during RLM interview that it was a joy to race again on such circuit without the terrible asphalt runoffs everywhere. And yes while we are certainly nowhere near the level of Spa & rest of the Grade 1 sterilization etc yet, the times are changing

[Deleted]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R3NiSOQWzY
There's new asphalt runoff extension at Dunlop esses it's only about meter wide but it means they can start running wide without consequences here too. And I'm sure it starts to get widened from year after year. The esses were the final single area without asphalt extension (apart from rundown to Indy and Curves but they'll be paved off for 2015 presumably so not counting them) so this is double annoying

[Simmi]

You might need to watch your blood pressure over the next few years Chiana haha. It's only going to get worse.

The ACO are clearly feeling the pressure and are making a few amendments. Hopefully we can weather the storm and after a couple of years they will be in a position where they can leave it alone again.

I'm just hoping we don't get any more big incidents this year.

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Simmi

The ACO are clearly feeling the pressure and are making a few amendments. Hopefully we can weather the storm and after a couple of years they will be in a position where they can leave it alone again.

Yeah but by that time it will all be covered by tarmac. Things like chicane blocks and barriers are temporary and easily changed but if/when you have tarmac poured everywhere it is there to stay permanently. You won't see ACO turning up to Le Mans city council meeting or wherever at some point and suggesting to demolish the tarmac runoffs and replace them with other substance again

[deggis]

Wtf (the new kerbs are gone):



At least a couple of drivers liked the new kerbs: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114244

[Adam43]

I guess someone whinged and then they changed it. How they tell the difference between just whinging you hear all the time and worthwhile criticism I don't know. The former is louder and more common.

Something I'd missed within the outrage is this:

Originally Posted by The same Autosport article

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114244
Changes to the public highway will eventually make the section of track from the right-hander at Indianapolis to Arnage permanent circuit.

The local government is changing the layout of the roads to do away with the crossroads at which the circuit turns 90-deg right at Arnage Corner because it is an accident blackspot.

There will be a roundabout south of the corner reached by a new road that will leave the existing track at the start of Indianapolis.

A byproduct of the changes, which include a further new road section running east-west, will be to improve access to the spectator enclosure between Indianapolis and Arnage.

Might have to drive it this year so the opportunity isn't missed.

[Deleted]

It's been talked for some time now.

But back to complaining. In regards to just today's revelations (them getting rid of the raised Ford kerbs, more asphalt runoff at esses):

[Simmi]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Might have to drive it this year so the opportunity isn't missed.

Yep we'll be lapping that part of the track too I reckon.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by Adam43

I guess someone whinged and then they changed it. How they tell the difference between just whinging you hear all the time and worthwhile criticism I don't know. The former is louder and more common.

Something I'd missed within the outrage is this:


Might have to drive it this year so the opportunity isn't missed.

Not much that can be done about these.

As for the Ford chicane, you can knock that extra second off the lap times already

[TF110]

Fwiw, its not clear whether the red curbs were removed permanently or if it was just for the ongoings at the track not pertaining to this race. Theyre removable or temporary so they may be back. I hope not, theyre not the safest thing to appear.

[wewantourdarbyback]

I was thinking there was a good chance they may have just been removed while people use the Bugatti circuit, the outside one could be a hazard to anyone running wide on the last double apex onto the straight.

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Might have to drive it this year so the opportunity isn't missed.

Yep, it's a must, I think.

[Le Vieux]

Originally Posted by Adam43

Might have to drive it this year so the opportunity isn't missed.

But you'll have to pick your moment. These days, that section is closed to the public at least from Friday, if not earlier.

[Coach Ep]

I recall vaguely it was already blocked off on Wednesday last year so you might wanna try to do that item as soon as you as you can and tick off that box...

[Adam43]

I thought maybe Monday after. Which has been fine in recent years. Too much else to do from Wednesday onwards.

[deggis]

This cought my eye:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114410

The FIA-spec debris fencing seriously damaged by the Audi was not replaced after Duval's accident for the remainder of practice and then qualifying.

Beaumesnil explained that it was not mandatory at this point of the circuit because its primary purpose was to protect the public (and this area is not a spectator zone).

Interesting explanation. Why was that fence there in the first place then and what would have happened if in theory another car could have gone off in the same place?

[Coach Ep]

One would think that driver safety would have been the primary reason for that fence being there, the track is going down hill as it's still on the ramp coming off the bridge and the drop - especially on drivers left - is substantial.

Really puzzled by this comment made by ACO's Sporting Director.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Coach Ep

One would think that driver safety would have been the primary reason for that fence being there, the track is going down hill as it's still on the ramp coming off the bridge and the drop - especially on drivers left - is substantial.

Really puzzled by this comment made by ACO's Sporting Director.

It's better to let the car fly over the barrier than to set up a cockpit intrusion scenario. I don't think anyone realizes how close to death Loic was yesterday until you look at the photos.

[chernaudi]

And I don't know why the ACO haven't moved the barrier there back unless it's physically impossible to. Just moving it back about 20 feet and putting some tires there would help. Not just with Loic's accident, but the #99 Aston was demolished in an accident close by last night and has been withdrawn.

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

And I don't know why the ACO haven't moved the barrier there back unless it's physically impossible to. Just moving it back about 20 feet and putting some tires there would help. Not just with Loic's accident, but the #99 Aston was demolished in an accident close by last night and has been withdrawn.

That would require major reconstruction of the bridge area since the track is basically up and down the bridge ramp.