Alonso: Track surface not up to F1 normen standards

The Miami Grand Prix is ​​accompanied by a festive atmosphere – this is exactly what the organizers of the race in the US state of Florida, which is really important, counted on.

But when we talk specifically about the sporty and technical side of things, everything is not so festive. Suffice it to say that already over the weekend several parts of the track built around the Hard Rock Stadium complex had to be patched up twice. In general, riders are dissatisfied with the fact that the track surface does not provide good grip.

“The surface of the asphalt is kind of a mockery,” said Sergio Perez. “It will be difficult to race and since we have been put in such a position, someone will inevitably make mistakes.”

As the weekend progressed, the main section gradually started to be covered with a layer of used rubber and the grip quality improved somewhat, but according to Max Verstappen, Perez teammate at Red Bull Racing, off the track it still feels like “driving on gravel.” “.

As a result, several riders shared the prediction that there will be little overtaking on Sunday, that is only possible on a straight line, so that you can return to a normal route before the bend.

According to Fernando Alonso, the drivers have informed the FIA ​​that “the asphalt does not meet Formula 1 standards”.

“Off the track, the track is strewn with pebbles, so there will be difficulties, but we can’t do anything,” said the Spanish Alpine F1 racer. – The coating must be replaced next year. It’s very difficult to drive like that.”

Lance Stroll warned that he would not deviate to overtake, and Yuki Tsunoda said: “It’s worth a millimeter to be wrong, and you immediately feel the difference in grip levels. Once you get there, the car starts spinning right away.

And here is the opinion of McLaren driver Daniel Riccardo: “I am completely satisfied that there are differences between the 23 circuits we participate in, that some circuits are just unique, that they have their own special character. However, racing on a surface like Miami is not very cool. And it’s not that it’s difficult: here you literally have to follow one route. Otherwise you will fly right off the runway.

Instead of giving us interesting and difficult tasks, we simplified the situation by making it one-dimensional, since your only choice is to stay on the track, which is gradually covered with a layer of used rubber.

“We cannot do what is asked of us, we cannot put on an interesting show. We can’t race, and it’s not our fault,” his partner Lando Norris summed up. “Everyone is waiting for a very interesting race, but since you can’t deviate from the track on this track, you can’t use different tracks, everyone has to follow each other and that always causes great difficulties.”

You can also quote the words of Charles Leclerc, the championship leader, who will start from pole in today’s Grand Prix: “It is unlikely that we will see overtaking on late braking or breaking through from the back rows, as the degree of of grip very low. Even at the start there will be difficulties if you are in the 1st turn in the inner or outer radius.

We have asked the FIA ​​to ensure that the track is as clean as possible before the start of the race, as there is a chance of mistakes that are not the fault of the riders. In fact, this can be compared to driving on a dry track, when the pavement outside remains wet. That is why we have to ask the race directorate for help.”

Source: F1 News

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