The FIA has taken the decision to make some last minute changes to the Korean circuit, notably the pit-lane entrance which has been of concern for a handful of drivers.
The final corner of the circuit is a sweeping, blind, right-hander which feeds onto the start/finish straight at over 250km/h. However, the pit entrance takes a similar line as those completing another lap, therefore drivers have made the FIA aware that they may have to brake sharply to avoid rear-ending a car entering the pits.
Jenson Button was just one of a handful of drivers to express some concern. “They’ve done a fabulous job with the place,” he said. “The only worry I have is the pit entry, which I think is a bit dangerous.
“I haven’t been behind a car yet when he’s pitted, but it’s a corner when you’re at full speed – 250km/h on the exit – and if someone goes in the pits, they have to lift quite heavily. It’s a little bit scary!”
To address the problem, the FIA’s race director Charlie Whiting has promised to remove the white line dictating the path drivers must take into the pits. This will allow the drivers to take a more aggressive and faster approach into the single-lane entrance.
Another area given some attention is the final kerbing at turn 18. This will be extended to avoid drivers kicking up dirt and stones onto the track and into the path of following cars.
