F1 News: Big Change Coming To 2023 Spanish Grand Prix

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Returns to Old Layout for 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.

In the world of Formula 1, alterations and adjustments are common, and this year's Spanish Grand Prix is no exception. The race track in Barcelona, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, is undergoing changes of its own. As it turns out, the circuit's infamous chicane in the final sector, introduced back in 2007, will be no more come next weekend.

The chicane, a narrow, twisty passage following turn 13, was supposed to facilitate more overtaking at the beginning and end of the straight. However, it slowed the cars by a hefty six seconds, which is a significant margin in this high-speed sport.

It's fair to say the earlier design, featuring two speedy right-hand turns one after the other, was more successful. The chicane, apart from failing to create more overtaking opportunities, often caused congestion during the qualifying rounds. 

However, the tables are turning, as announced in a press release by the authorities of Formula 1. The sport will be ditching the chicane and reverting to the original track layout that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya used from its inaugural Grand Prix in 1991 until 2006.

The return of the old layout will usher in higher speeds and enhanced safety, thanks to the introduction of new Tecpro barriers for improved driver protection. As a result, the track length will extend by two meters to 4.657 kilometers.

With this revamped old design, the authorities anticipate more track action. The current generation of ground effect cars are primed for the fast right-hand bends in the last sector. These 2022 regulation-introduced vehicles are less vulnerable to strong air turbulence created by a leading racing car, unlike their predecessors.