The start of the MotoGP™ season has provided the promise of a thrilling season ahead with numerous title contenders while a bit of patience is required until the riders return to Austria – but the Red Bull Ring is ready. In November 2021, Spielberg began rebuilding work to add a new layout option in close cooperation with the FIM, Dorna and FIA, and a few days ago it was completed. Famous race track developer Hermann Tilke planned the introduction of a chicane in the northwestern part of the track – primarily for motorcycling, whereas Formula 1 will keep on using the former layout. Don’t miss out on tickets for the first MotoGP™ on the new look track, the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria 2022 from August 19th to 21st August – fans can secure their tickets at www.redbullring.com!
Work to convert the uphill Turn 2 area of the Red Bull Ring into a chicane began in November 2021. Playing a lead role in planning the change, in close cooperation with the FIM, Dorna and FIA, was famous race track developer Hermann Tilke. The German knows the Austrian GP track extremely well and states: “It all started for us with the F1 project. Since then we have kept on making plans for both small as well as more significant changes to the Red Bull Ring. The Red Bull Ring is a magnificent race track with breathtaking Alpine scenery. The track is quite rightly loved by spectators and competitors alike. It’s always great for us to come to Spielberg and meet lots of old acquaintances and friends.”
To increase safety at the Red Bull Ring, especially in the premier motorcycle class, the top speed for race bikes will be diminished at the second turn. “Reduced speed was needed in MotoGP in this section of the track. This was achieved through the compact right-left combination which refrains from impacting the rest of the track. The planning was a real challenge due to the topography of the terrain, above all”, says Tilke. With comprehensive examinations, 15 drafts were made before the final layout concept envisaged the chicane as the ideal solution. The track planning is based on specific speed calculations, in which the dimensions of the run-off zones and the other safety facilities were accounted for.
Two 90-degree turns as part of a quick double apex chicane ensure a real challenge that will test all the abilities of the MotoGP™ riders. The top motorcycle racing series is sure to become even more dramatic as a consequence of extra overtaking moves. The new layout option at the second turn is designed primarily for motorcycling. The usual track set-up has been retained so that two options are now available without any changes to the overall character of the turns. The Red Bull Ring continues to have ten turns.
All the information on the 2022 Motorrad Grand Prix of Austria and tickets for the MotoGP™ highlights in Spielberg can be found on www.redbullring.com.