The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has confirmed it will reinstate Turn 10 to the layout, but with safety modifications.
A high-speed left-hander which used to see the track then rejoin for the right bend of Turn 11, the old Turn 10 was removed in 2004 over safety concerns.
And in its place came a heavy braking zone into a left turn at the end of the back straight.
However, the old Turn 10 will make its return, if all goes well in time for the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix, though there will be some changes.
Instead a slightly tighter version of the corner, comprising Turns 10 and 11, will be introduced.
“During January, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be reshaping the layout of the current Turn 10, located at the entrance of the legendary Stadium area,” read a statement from the circuit, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“This project, which was analysed during the past seasons together with the FIA and the FIM, will improve the safety conditions at both car and motorcycle races.
“Traditionally, Formula 1 used the inner variant of Turn 10 and 11, while MotoGP used the historic layout.
“However, a few years ago, the FIM decided to use the same layout as the car races.
“For the 2021 season, and in agreement with the FIA and the FIM, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has designed a new and unique variant for Turn 10, that will be located between the two current layouts.
“This change will allow for an extension of the run-off area at the turn, thus increasing the safety distance, and it will also lead to a return to the origins of the layout.”
Over the years the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a regular stomping ground for Formula 1, not only in the form of the Spanish Grand Prix which it has hosted since 1991, but also pre-season testing.
Formula 1 has announced that for next year pre-season testing has been cut to only three days, and while it was originally rumoured that the testing would take place at the Bahrain International Circuit as opposed to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, ultimately Barcelona remained the venue of choice.
After that Formula 1’s next visit to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be from 7-9 May for the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix.
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