The Red Bull Ring modified to limit damage

This was one of the concerns of the various team bosses: starting a series of intense races with a double Austrian meeting that is traditionally tiring for the mechanics. 

Le Red Bull Ring is in fact known for its nervous layout and its particularly treacherous and punishing exterior vibrators for the front wings, notably the last two right-hand bends on a slope. 

Before the resumption of the world championship, several main teams – including Günther Steiner and Cyril Abiteboul – had suggested that the Austrian track was going to be modified to make it less rough. And that is indeed the case. 

Official documents submitted before the race show that the yellow vibrators (the famous black puddings) outside turns 9 and 10 which complete the lap have been removed and replaced by sensors responsible for monitoring compliance with the track limits. The tarmaced sections at the edge and outside of turn 8 have also been enlarged.

During free practice, if a driver completes a lap by triggering the detection beam located outside the tolerated trajectories, his time will be canceled. During the Grand Prix, riders will be entitled to three jokers before the black and white flag is waved. The following infraction will be reported to the stewards, who will decide on the appropriate sanction.

If the trajectory is too wide at turns 9 and/or 10, drivers must “return to the track safely and without advantage.” They will thus avoid the type of time penalty which had deprived Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) of victory in Canada last year.