Arnage corner modifications

[eddie man]

Look at this. I pass on the circuit everyday to work. Noticed some modifications at Arnage corner. Looks like a safety run off. Owner of the house lost a lot of their garden. Not sure if he's sold it or was forced. However whoever does live there has a great vantage point now to view Sports cars hurtling around, practically into their lounge. If it was my house I'd build an extension. Lucky owner !!!

[robmlufc]

Strange place to have that much run off, slowest corner on the track and looking at the pics if they go straight on they will miss the gravel anyway?

Hope they got a fair wedge for the garden!

[Skywalker]

There are more than a few incidents at Arnage though, where a late turn / going TFF put the car into the barrier and becoming a risk to others. At least like this, they will only go into the gravel and will probably be easier to recover.

[DS240]

Suppose it is all for extra safety, but it is another dilution of the circuit.

I know there are incidents where cars out brake themselves, but they are normally just lightish nerfs of the barrier.

For the speed of the corner I thought they had enough space with the road going off ahead.

[flattotheboards]

DS240 said:

Suppose it is all for extra safety, but it is another dilution of the circuit.

I disagree with the dilution comment, the layout of the road has not been changed in any way, they have just added a run off area. This if anything this should be welcomed as in my opinion it is better for them to use the run off than hit the barrier which could cause damage not only to the car but also to their position should an unscheduled pit stop for repairs be required.

[Vocal Minority]

Ah but is not avoiding damage to the car part of the trick in endurance racing?

[DS240]

You make a mistake, the wall is close by to bite. That is what defines the character of the old circuits. So in that sense it is diluting the character.

Look at the new faceless circuits. Fast bends, but half a mile run off area. So it doesn't even look that impressive.

If it was a 100mph bend then I agree, it needs more space, but it is 30-40mph?

[flattotheboards]

DS240 said:

You make a mistake, the wall is close by to bite. That is what defines the character of the old circuits. So in that sense it is diluting the character.

Look at the new faceless circuits. Fast bends, but half a mile run off area. So it doesn't even look that impressive.

If it was a 100mph bend then I agree, it needs more space, but it is 30-40mph?

I do see where you are coming from, but what if your favourite driver were to have a small lapse in concentration, stick the car into the barrier and be unable to make it back to the pits and as a result have to retire? You would be gutted, right?

I do agree with your point regarding the new circuits with just appear to be a massive tarmacced area with a circuit draw on it.

For me it isn't the fact that its a slow corner but that they gain quite a bit of speed on the straight leading up to Arnage.

[FredericRobinson]

But in the 10 years I've been going I don't think anyone's gone out of the race through hitting the barriers at Arnage? There's always a few who get it wrong & nudge the tyres but that's about it, if you get Arnage wrong enough to finish the car (on the old layout) you deserve to go out

[Longers]

My favourite part of the circuit at night, a real shame

flattotheboards said:

I do see where you are coming from, but what if your favourite driver were to have a small lapse in concentration, stick the car into the barrier and be unable to make it back to the pits and as a result have to retire? You would be gutted, right?

Yes, I would be gutted, but then they shouldn't have had a lapse in concentration should they?

FredericRobinson said:

But...if you get Arnage wrong enough to finish the car (on the old layout) you deserve to go out

[icepop]

But, put yourselves in the mindset of the drivers, forget the safety angle, booooring. They are going to look at that corner, and think.....hmmmmm......think I can get me motor round that corner a tad faster next time.......wallop......what's not to like ?

[Nick M]

flattotheboards said:

For me it isn't the fact that its a slow corner but that they gain quite a bit of speed on the straight leading up to Arnage.

That has been very noticeable year on year, listening to the engine notes to see how much longer they're on the throttle, and how much later the braking point (eventually) is.

[eddie man]

Stopped by there again yesterday, on the way home. There looks like a viewing area, a small track behind the shingle. Not 100% sure though. Maybe just for the marshalls. Not much space.

Even better place to take photos now. Cars will go in too fast and get stuck, in the shingle.

[DS240]

Even if it is your favourite team/driver that smacks the barrier, that is motor racing and that is what provides the challenge and sense of achievement.

I'm not against change. Since I first went in '03 the circuit has changed hughly and I thing the majority is for the better.

I just don't think this was really needed. A 40mph bend max and they have mere feet and an armco barrier along mulsanne at 200 mph! Just as I don't think the inside of tetre rouge really needed opening out.

And what really gets me is the safety car coming out now when it rains. It is a 24hr race. You either slow down, put the right tyres on it, or adjust the car. There should be no interruption unless there is a crashed car and needed for safety.

[Rs2oo]

DS240 said:

And what really gets me is the safety car coming out now when it rains. It is a 24hr race. You either slow down, put the right tyres on it, or adjust the car. There should be no interruption unless there is a crashed car and needed for safety.

Agree 100%. drivers will crash if they go too fast for the conditions, their error. Drive to the conditions.

Not sure what the fuss and moans are about Arnage improvements. It won't spoil the spectacle at all as none of the drivers will want to get stuck in the gravel. It doesnt make it easier for them and none of the fans want to see a car crash out. At least with this, they stand a chance of continuing if they mess it up. I think its a good thing.

[eddie man]

Only a few days until the practise day, and they are still working on the circuit. Workman everywhere. Absolutely bucketed down this afternoon. They were still out fixing up the barriers. The Arnage modifications are finished, from what I saw. Talk about last minute. Apparently its to make the circuit eligible for F1 races, having a gravel pit on Arnage, so i've been told.

[Great Dane]

does lowdrag knows anything about this too??

[williamp]

Great Dane said:

does lowdrag knows anything about this too??

...who do you think made those skid marks...

[DS240]

To make it eligible for f1 races?

Can't really see this being sound reasoning to make these modifications.

You would never have an f1 race held on the full circuit. Though if would be amazing to see.

[Printertosh]

Probably FIA getting involved with safety???