Renowned Formula One track designer Hermann Tilke, has promised to design more exciting tracks in the future.
The German, responsible for several of the tracks on the calendar such as Bahrain, Malaysia, China, Abu Dhabi and the new Korean track, has come in for much criticism for his designs, with most labelling them ‘boring’.
However, the 56-year-old has discussed the matter with Bernie Ecclestone and both have agreed to liven up the designs for future tracks, starting with the new Austin track, the design of which was revealed last week and features large elevation changes with a mix of slow and quick corners.
“He [Bernie Ecclestone] has a good view on it. Now, we are going much more to the edge than we have some years before – in terms of elevation and the types of corner we have,” Tilke told Autosport.
The German is hoping the decision by Eccletone will allow for him to shrug off the negative view many fans have of him. He explained that the FIA’s safety regulations call for large run-off areas which negate the fans view of the action and makes pushing to the limit easier for the drivers.
“Nowadays you need the run-off areas. The FIA will not accept tracks without the run-off. Having wide run-offs is not ideal for the view – and is very different from the old tracks where the guardrail was right by the edge of the track. It used to be completely different, but in our times it is not possible to do that any more.”
