Improved safety measures installed at the Porsche Curves

SAFER barriers, most commonly used in US racing, have been installed on the outside of the first part of the Porsche Curves. The run-off and gravel trap have also been extended at the final right-hander of the Porsche Curves.

ACO Sporting Manager Vincent Beaumesnil told the British magazine Autosport that he believes it is the first time that the SAFER system has been used on a road course in Europe.

He explained the SAFER (which stands for Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) barriers had allowed the character of the Porsche Curves to be retained at the same time as improving safety.

"It would have been easy to add a chicane, but the track would have lost its character," he said.  "After discussions with our federation in France [the FFSA], we were able to make the circuit safer and keep the original layout."

As first seen on Autosport.com.  Image courtesy of ACO.