BAKU, Azerbaijan -- The FIA will make some minor modifications to the Baku City Circuit after the first day of practice for the Grand Prix of Europe raised concerns around certain kerbs and the pit lane entrance.
GP2's qualifying session was delayed after 90 percent of left rear tyres in FP1 were damaged by bolts protruding from the exit kerbs at Turn 6 and Turn 12. In the second F1 session drivers were warned to avoid the exit kerb at Turn 6 after video footage showed the last section of kerbing was still loose.
For final practice onwards the exit kerbs at Turn 6 and Turn 12 will be removed and replaced by painted markings, with work also being carried out on the kerbs in the high-speed section between Turn 12 and Turn 15.
Following the drivers' briefing it was also decided that the pit lane entry line should be longer to provide a clearer distinction from the race track. Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez said the line's visibility had been a problem for drivers as they approached on the undulating pit straight and also thinks the pit lane exit should be reconsidered.
"Pit entry just the fact to make it a bit more visually in terms of where is the entrance to the pit lane, which will be improved," he explained. "Also the pit exit, which in my opinion is a bit narrow, there's plenty of space there to make it a bit less narrow, just a bit less of a hassle. Then you have a little bit of exit kerbs, entry and exit kerbs, which probably are not necessary to have them there so they are going to make some modifications for tomorrow."