English
Italiano
The controversies over going onto the green could have their days numbered, and so could the long lap penalties which are too often given at random. Or so it seems, judging by the photos that appeared on tweets on the profile of our colleague Simon Patterson showing the work in progress at the Jerez circuit where they are installing the new FIM-approved kerbs.
From the images it looks like the new kerbs have a 'toothed' profile like seventies-style kerbs, with a shape such as to discourage excursions to the side of the track unless we take for granted, in addition to the loss of grip, also that of any tooth fillings!
Actually, the images are misleading because in the drawings approved by the FIM (and by F1) the design of the kerbs that delimit the asphalt has a negative camber, -50mm in the end part of the kerb.
This means that, in the event of going beyond the limit of the track, but before reaching the green, the incidence of the curb decreases with a negative inclination which decreases the grip. It’s made in such a way as to advise against excursions up to that point.
Whatever anyone says, excluding the grass, which is extremely slippery especially in case of rain or the gravel, this should be the best solution to avoid the shower of penalties (with related controversies) that we have seen in recent times.
The kerbs in question are flat with a negative angle and the descent (or ascent) to the side is gradual. They also have a name: They are called Misano 200N because the first circuit that agreed to do a test was Misano which positioned them at turn 7 and the last corner.
We will therefore soon see them in action, also because in addition to the Misano GP on 10th September, the final Superbike race will take place in Jerez on 29th October.
On that occasion we will have the first impression from the riders who will be able to go there on purpose to check the grip conditions to understand if... it is worthwhile to end up on them or not. In the meantime, we hope to get better photos that will allow us to understand the real workmanship of the new...exaggeratedly wide trajectory deterrents!
