WEC Sebring - Return to the original pit lane entry configuration
FIA made a modification to the Pit Lane this year, which, as a reminder, runs alongside the Ullman Straight. Or more precisely at the level of the entry lane to the pit lane. Whereas it used to start between turns 15 and 16, drivers now enter it just before turn 15.
The concern is that if a car has started an overtaking manoeuvre, there is a real risk of collision with the car that is about to enter the pit lane. Moreover, the competitors are rushing into the pit lane at high speed, before having to negotiate a narrow "esse" between two low walls. On Saturday evening, at the end of the first day of the Prologue, the decision was taken to draw a continuous white line further up the track, to force the drivers about to stop to stay on the right side of the track.
But yesterday, the fourth session of the Prologue was interrupted before its end following a crash involving David Heinemeier-Hansson. The accident was the result of contact between the Ferrari 488 GTE n°54 of Thomas Flohr - which was about to pit off - and the Oreca 07 n°28 of Jota Sport.
As this plan B was not satisfactory, we asked the FIA if any changes were being considered. This is what they told us :
What was the reason for the pit entry being modified from last year’s configuration?
Being on the same bill as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship uses Sebring International Raceway’s secondary pit lane, located alongside the Ullman Straight.
Over the years there were various requests from drivers for the pit entry to be modified to enable them to enter the pit lane between T14 and T15 rather than after the apex of T15.
Taking these opinions into consideration it was decided to assess an alternative configuration of pit lane entry during the two-day pre-season test. The new pit entry included concrete walls, tyre barriers and the provision of a line clearly separating cars entering the pit lane from those remaining on track.
Will there be further modifications to the pit lane entry configuration ?
Following an in-depth assessment over the two-day test and following consultations with teams and drivers from all classes as well as the FIA’s Safety Department, a decision was taken to revert to the original configuration, as per the 2022 edition of the race.
The Staff of Sebring International Speedway were always open to implementing all changes requested by the FIA regardless of timing and the amount of work required and should be commended on their efforts.
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