Barcelona circuit to use new Turn 10 layout after safety changes
Formula 1 and MotoGP venue Barcelona will reinstate a modified layout of the old Turn 10 following safety improvements made in conjunction with the FIA and FIM

The original Turn 10 at the Barcelona circuit was a long left-hander which fed into the long right at the top of the hill at Turn 11.
However, F1 abandoned this version of the corner in 2004 in favour of a tighter sharp left in a bid to improve safety, while also using the universally disliked final chicane at Turns 14/15 instead of the old penultimate corner.
MotoGP continued to use the original layout of the circuit up until the 2016 Catalan Grand Prix, following the death of Moto2 racer Luis Salom when he crashed at the old penultimate corner.
Due to the proximity of the barrier to the circuit at Turn 10, MotoGP switched to the F1 version of the corner.
Changes to the run-off area at the old penultimate corner for 2018 meant MotoGP could revert to that layout of the corner, though continued to use the F1 Turn 10.
However, the circuit will reshape the original Turn 10 into a slightly tighter version of its old layout, with the double left complex comprising Turns 10 and 11, with work set to be completed for the 2021 season.

"During January, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be reshaping the layout of the current Turn 10, located at the entrance of the legendary Stadium area," a circuit statement read.
"This project, which was analysed during the past seasons together with the FIA and the FIM, will improve the safety conditions at both car and motorcycle races.
"Traditionally, Formula 1 used the inner variant of Turn 10 and 11, while MotoGP used the historic layout.
"However, a few years ago, the FIM decided to use the same layout as the car races.
"For the 2021 season, and in agreement with the FIA and the FIM, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has designed a new and unique variant for Turn 10, that will be located between the two current layouts.
"This change will allow for an extension of the run-off area at the turn, thus increasing the safety distance, and it will also lead to a return to the origins of the layout."
The changes to the Catalunya circuit is another in a series of initiatives which have been agreed upon by F1 and MotoGP's respective governing bodies as the FIA and FIM work closer together on matters of track safety.
This news follows on from the announcement last month that circuits which host both F1 and MotoGP events from 2022 will need to have the LED light panels at marshal posts fitted.

Previous article
What F1 can learn from Alonso’s blast from the past
Next article
Perez poised to replace Albon at Red Bull for 2021 F1 season

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Author | Lewis Duncan |
Barcelona circuit to use new Turn 10 layout after safety changes
Trending
Albert Park Circuit Modifications Project
Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: Bahrain GP Race Debrief
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Are we at peak F1 right now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How crucial marginal calls will decide the Red Bull vs Mercedes battle in F1 2021
The longer Red Bull can maintain a performance edge over Mercedes, the better the odds will be in the team’s favour against the defending world champions. But as the Bahrain Grand Prix showed, many more factors will be critical in the outcome of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone