There's a really
good read on Speed.
(That's a poem)
Quote:
The circuit was often described as a cross between a typical airport circuit... a road course... and a street circuit.
Oriol Servia:
“This track is a lot of fun! But it’s also the most dangerous."
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Overall, the drivers seem to love this circuit. I sounds like it may have instantly become a favourite amongst a few of them! But the link goes on to explain more about Servia's concerns...
Quote:
...Turns 13 and 14 was one of a number of spots on the track that got a lot of drivers’ attention. Particularly the fact that the barrier on the outside of the corner was fronted by just a single-layer tire wall.
...Kneifel says there will be some tweaks done to the track overnight, mainly repositioning and/or adding some tire barriers...
Evidently, a number of drivers objected to the sign bridges which span the track in a couple of spots, citing the bridge supports (which are protected by concrete walls fronted by tire barriers) as potential safety issues. Kneifel concedes the sign bridges are a necessary evil.
Drivers exiting the pits re-enter the track on the outside of Turn One without the benefit of a clear view of the cars approaching or already in that turn.
Just how easy was proven this morning when Mario Dominguez and Andrew Ranger crashed heavily in the waning moments of the practice session when the Mexican’s pit lane exit intersected with Ranger’s Turn One exit.
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Also...
Quote:
Official attendance today (Friday) was set at 55,722, a figure not seriously questioned by anyone who had to work their way through the throngs to get in and out of the paddock.
Paul Tracy:
“It was just amazing today. To see the grandstands completely packed today for qualifying, I don’t know how many people were officially here, but it looked like the stands were sold out, the suites were sold out, the infield by the trucks is packed. It’s a great feeling to come to a new venue and have the kind of support we’ve had. The series and the promoter here, they’ve hit a home run.”
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The article also explains how most of the drivers used at least one set of "reds" on Friday quals, as they're expecting a wet Saturday session.