Fernando Alonso has hailed the decision to get rid of the final sector chicane at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, stating it will make the track “more fun to drive”.
The track announced earlier this year that the final sector would be altered, with drivers now using the older layout.
The chicane was introduced for F1 in 2007 but has been criticised for many years by drivers and fans.
Now, Turn 13 will be taken at a much higher speed and loop around to bring the drivers back onto the start-finish straight.
Alonso, who is a two-time winner around the track, is also the only current driver that experienced the previous layout in race trim before it was altered.
The Spaniard has backed the change and says it was necessary to accommodate the current generation of F1 car.
“I think it’s going to be okay, probably more fun to drive,” Alonso said.
“It was a corner that I think was too slow for these Formula 1 cars and the size of these cars as well.
“I think it was not really enjoyable to drive, but it remains to be seen if the new layout will help the overtaking, or will help the show in general on the race.
“But I’ve been racing in that layout for a few years, including in Formula 1, so I think it will be more fun to drive and hopefully we put on a good show for everyone.”
Alonso hasn’t enjoyed much success at his home race in recent years as he has been delivered uncompetitive cars.
However, the 41-year-old is now equipped with arguably the second-fastest car on the grid and has taken a trio of podiums at the opening three rounds of the 2023 campaign.
