Monza Plans Chicane to Alter Curva Grande for Safety
Monza is set to add a chicane in the middle of Curva Grande by summer 2017, aiming to meet motorcycle racing safety standards at a cost of €4 million.
Monza will add a chicane in the middle of the Curva Grande, with the change scheduled for completion by the summer of 2017, according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The modification is aimed at enhancing safety as the Autodromo Nazionale seeks to secure a place on future motorcycle racing calendars.
The planned chicane will break up the high-speed sweep of the historic Curva Grande, long a hallmark of Monza’s layout. The new section is depicted as a left-right with a 2.5-metre elevation change, based on concept images referenced by the Italian publication. The project is budgeted at €4 million.
Motorcycle racing drives circuit changes
Monza’s management is pursuing the alteration primarily to meet the safety requirements of modern motorcycle racing, which has become stricter in recent years regarding circuit layouts and run-off areas. The circuit’s existing configuration, with its long, fast corners, poses challenges for bikes in particular. By inserting a chicane, the circuit aims to slow speeds and reduce risk through one of its fastest sections.
The report indicates that the proposal has already been agreed with Formula One race director Charlie Whiting, suggesting the change will not jeopardise Monza’s place on the Formula One calendar. The circuit has been under pressure to modernise as it negotiates its future in both F1 and other international series. For more on Monza’s efforts to retain its Grand Prix, see Monza pushes to retain Italian Grand Prix after 2016 amid contract doubts.
Simulator testing and driver input
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has reportedly tested the revised layout in a simulator and described it as interesting, though no further details of driver feedback have been released. The circuit has not published a final design or timeline for construction beyond the reported summer 2017 target.
