Yas Marina changing track layout to aid overtaking at F1 season finale

Not quite seeing the logic here...they get rid of 2 overtaking zones, create 1 high speed corner (= very tough to follow).

 

The new track will likely have fewer passes for position that the older one.

A lot of money down the drain for nothing.

 

That will eliminate 2 chicanes, and I am all for it.

Chicanes are only put on circuits to artificially reduce speed.

The FIA is always afraid of lap time.

 

New banked corner part of Abu Dhabi F1 track changes
By: Jonathan Noble
Jun 24, 2021, 6:01 AM
A high-speed banked corner and revamped hairpin section have been revealed as part of multiple changes Abu Dhabi is making to its Formula 1 track.
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After a lacklustre season final in 2020, Yas Marina chiefs have worked hard to revamp its circuit layout which it felt did not allow current F1 cars to race properly.

With work due to start in the summer on the overhaul, the changes to the venue are focused on three key areas of the track.

* At the hairpin section, the chicane before it will be removed – with the width of the track in this area will also being opened up to allow multiple racing lines and potentially more passing opportunities.

* At the end of the second back straight, the tight and twisty complex of bends are being removed completely and replaced with a high speed and wide banked corner.

* Finally, at the hotel section, the corners that run around here are being opened up so it becomes faster and more flowing.

Saif Al Noaimi, acting CEO of the Abu Dhabi F1 promoters, said that the aim of the changes was simply to help improve overtaking opportunities – something which had been lacking in the past.

"We've listened to the spectators and fans, and we've listened to the teams and the drivers," he explained. "We've built these modifications, taking into consideration the feedback that we have received.

"Ultimately, our objective is to create more overtaking opportunities, closer wheel to wheel racing and a faster, free flowing circuit."

Al Noaimi hoped that the banked corner will especially stand out as something special, as he labelled it potentially 'iconic'.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/new-banked-corner-part-of-abu-dhabi-f1-track-changes/6602969/

 

A banked but tight corner after a long straight...great so any one going off will land in Yemen or take a plunge in the Gulf waters!

The banked corner in Zandwoort is shortly after very slow corners, quite different.

The cancellation of the chicane before the hairpin will help hugely but the other changes not so sure. Hopefully the banking will allow outside passes like the constant radius curves of Mugello.

 

Ah didnt' know the corner was banked...that changes my opinion somewhat. I'll hold off commenting until seeing it but can't be *that* bad all of a sudden.

 

All the articles about this state it will be banked... I remain sceptical regarding safety.