Spanish Grand Prix and Formula 1 testing venue Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has commenced work in order to resurface the track and improve safety.
After a request from MotoGP’s governing body, the FIM, the run-off at Turn 12 – the fast right-hander bypassed by Formula 1 since 2007 – has been extended, with grandstands dismantled and put back several metres.
The change has taken place in the wake of Luis Salom’s fatal crash at the corner during a Moto2 practice session in 2016.
The entire circuit is also set to be resurfaced, following complaints from MotoGP riders across recent years over the state of the asphalt.
All changes were agreed by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA.
The work will be completed in time for Formula 1 pre-season testing, which begins at the venue on February 26.
Formula 1’s track layout will not change, while the extension of the run-off area at Turn 12 means MotoGP will abandon using the chicane, and revert to using the old turn, after a couple of variations were used in the wake of Salom’s crash.
The Spanish Grand Prix has been held at the venue since 1991, with its current contract running until 2019.
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