Monaco adds high-grip surface to chicane escape road

The change has been made in conjunction with a resurfacing of around two-thirds of the circuit.

The chicane has been the scene of many serious accidents after drivers have lost control or had a technical failure either exiting the tunnel or under braking. Karl Wendlinger, Jenson Button and Sergio Perez all suffered injuries that kept them out of races.

There have also been many accidents involving collisions after overtaking moves went wrong.

Over the years, the FIA and the Monaco authorities have tried to improve the situation, notably by moving back the end of the barrier that separates the track from the escape road.

Although the new rougher surface is intended to help drivers who are out of control to slow down, damage to tyres could be a side effect for those who lock up and cross it.

However, Renault's Nico Hulkenberg believes that won't be an issue.

"It's very rough, high grip, like sandpaper," the German told Motorsport.com. "But by the time you get onto that surface you release the brakes and you roll across it. I don't think it's a major problem."

The resurfacing to the track itself means that teams and drivers will have to learn about the changes on Thursday.

The FIA has noted the extent of the resurfacing as follows: "From the exit of Turn 19, Anthony Noghes, to the exit of Turn 3, Massenet; from the exit of Turn 7, Mirabeau Bas, to the exit of Turn 8, Portier; from the entry of Turn 10 to the exit of Turn 11, through the Nouvelle Chicane, and from the entry of Turn 12, Tabac, to the entry of Turn 15, at the Swimming Pool exit. This represents some two-thirds of the circuit."

New run-off area at the exit of the chicane

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images