Former Formula 1 driver and two-time Le Mans winner, Alexander Wurz, is proposing modifications to the Monaco circuit to create more overtaking opportunities. The crown jewel of the racing calendar faced sharp criticism again this past weekend. Despite an exciting qualifying round, the subsequent race once again turned into a procession. Wurz, whose company is already working on the ambitious Qiddiya circuit, has some solutions.
The FIA made a futile attempt this year to boost the entertainment value of the Monaco GP. All drivers were required to make two mandatory pit stops for new tires. However, this did not make a significant difference. The top ten remained largely unchanged, with the podium positions identical to the starting lineup. Several drivers and team bosses confirmed afterwards that overtaking on the track is simply impossible with the current Formula 1 cars. Not long after, Alexander Wurz presented on social media the changes he would make to promote overtaking in Monaco.
The Austrian, whose WURZdesign company is also involved in the new Qiddiya circuit in Saudi Arabia, sees three possibilities for improving the circuit. He does take into account the ‘urban limitations’ of the principality. Firstly, he wants to move the nouvelle chicane further forward. “You can almost overtake here,” explains Wurz. “However, based on my own experience and conversations with other drivers, I think the chicane should come later. This means you can’t defend as well in the bend after the tunnel.” The longer straight that would result from this change would also give drivers more time to prepare an overtaking maneuver.
Overtaking, Overtaking, Overtaking
Secondly, he wants to reshape the famous Rascasse corner by moving the apex two or three meters. This would make the track significantly wider. Wurz admitted that he is constrained by an entrance to a parking garage, but argued that Monaco should squeeze everything out of the available space here. “This opens up the corner for a divebomb move,” he explained. “As a driver, you have to defend or accept that you’re creating a gap.” Moreover, the defending party would exit the corner much slower, creating opportunities on the subsequent straight.
Finally, Wurz would like to widen the entrance to the hairpin turn – perhaps the most famous part of Monaco – by a few meters. This would allow drivers to position their cars side by side more easily. In addition, the kerbstone at the exit of the turn should be removed. “The ideal racing line will not change,” Wurz assures, “but it will be easier to force an overtaking move.” Whether Formula 1 and the FIA will embrace these modifications remains to be seen.
