Formula 1 News

Japanese GP: Drivers unhappy with Fuji pitlane entry 

Formula One drivers are pushing for changes to be made to the pitlane entry at Fuji for tomorrow amid fears that its current design is dangerous. Drivers approach the pitlane entry at almost 300km/h and have to negotiate a quick right-left flick next to the barriers before having to brake for the speed limiter line.

Several drivers feel that any mistake made on the pitlane entry will result in a big crash and they plan to consult with FIA race director Charlie Whiting at their briefing this evening to discuss what can be done. One suggestion is for the pitlane speed limit line to be moved in front of the corner to slow the cars down earlier as they enter the pits.

Giancarlo Fisichella said: “It is a little bit dangerous because when we brake to go into the pitlane we are around 300km/h and it is a bit tricky. It is not safe. We need to put maybe the speed limiter before the corner, but I don’t know if we can do something for tomorrow.”

Jarno Trulli added: “It is quite narrow and quick into the pits, so obviously it is not that easy or safe. Maybe we can change the approach so we go straight into the pits like at Monza. But for tomorrow I don’t know what we can do. I don’t know if we can even change the (speed limiter) line, because that will change the whole weekend in terms of strategy. I don’t know what is possible.”

Rubens Barrichello said: “The track is okay. The most difficult corner on the circuit is the entry to the pitlane. It’s far too dangerous. You come in flat out and have a blind section. My suggestion would be to bring the white line before the pitlane corner, the kink. That would be my option. That’s what I’m going to suggest at the drivers’ briefing.”

But not all drivers were unhappy with the design. Renault’s Heikki Kovalainen said: “I think it is quite exciting. It is a nice chicane and if you get it wrong you are going to have a big accident. We will have to be careful.”