Sonoma layout revised for IndyCar

Sonoma track officials have unveiled a new IndyCar circuit layout in the hope of increasing opportunities for overtaking when the series visits the northern Californian circuit later this month.

Turns 7, 9 and 11 have all been changed following consultation with Penske drivers Ryan Briscoe and Will Power, Team Penske president Tim Cindric and racing icon Mario Andretti, as well as IndyCar officials.

“These changes reflect nearly a year of study and consultation with drivers, racing engineers and sanctioning officials,” said Sonoma circuit president and general manager Steve Page.

“Combining these new corners and braking zones with IndyCar’s new competitive engine environment should open things up considerably and we’re very anxious to see the results play out at the race in a few weeks.”

On the new layout, the Turn 7 right-hander has been replaced by a hairpin, creating a new braking zone, while the exit of Turn 9 has been widened by 10 feet on the left to add additional width to what was already a passing area.

The entrance to Turn 11 has been extended by 200 feet before the hairpin to allow drivers an opportunity to outbrake each other and set up an overtaking opportunity before the Turn 12 right-hander.

With the new layout, which is currently only scheduled to be used by IndyCar, the circuit has 12 corners and is 2.31 miles long. The race distance will be extended from 75 to 85 laps.

“This was something we worked on in the offseason and I think it is really going to make for some exciting racing,” said Power. “We will know more after the testing, but it looks like we will be able to go into Turns 7 and 11 expecting to be able to make a move.”

IndyCar is scheduled to race at Sonoma on August 26.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/indycar-news/indycar/sonoma-layout-revised-for-indycar

Olivier Gendebien Marc Gené Elmer George Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini