Jul.3 (GMM) Troublesome kerbs have been causing a stir this weekend in Austria.
Several cars, including that of championship leader Nico Rosberg, have had suspension destroyed over the controversial, yellow and high ‘baguette’ kerbs at the Red Bull Ring.
Even the track owner, Red Bull, is not happy, with the energy drink marque’s Dr Helmut Marko calling the kerbs “nonsensical” for single seaters.
“We wanted them removed,” said the Austrian.
Marko is not alone. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said telemetry data has shown the kerbs contribute “extreme loads” to the suspension, revealing the team had to strengthen the wishbones in the garage with carbon fibre tape.
“It’s not very formula one (like),” said the Austrian, “but anything to help.
“We have seen problems with different cars and different (suspension) designs,” Wolff added, “which worries us. We need a response” from the FIA.
Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton said after qualifying that the “dangerous” kerbs could even lead to driver injury, prompting Wolff to add: “I don’t know what the FIA will decide.”
But F1 race director Charlie Whiting insisted: “We can’t re-do the track now.
“Either the driver needs to stay away from the kerbs or the teams need to reinforce the suspension,” he is quoted by the German press as saying.