---
title: "MotoGP riders slam Barcelona circuit alterations"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/05/24/motogp-riders-slam-barcelona-circuit-alterations/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-05-24T19:32:20Z"
modified: "2017-05-24T19:33:06Z"
---

# MotoGP riders slam Barcelona circuit alterations

A number of MotoGP riders have expressed their dislike for the revisions made to the layout of the Barcelona circuit at a test at the track this week.

Following the tragic death of Moto2 rider Luis Salom during practice for last year’s event, the MotoGP field agreed to run on the alternate Turn 10 and the chicane before the final corner used by Formula 1 as a temporary safety precaution.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/538277218.jpg)

However, after discussions had in the Safety Commission, it was agreed to continue using the revised layout of Turn 10 for future races as the barrier at the end of the gravel trap was too close and could not be moved back.

The riders also agreed to carry on using the F1 chicane at the end of the lap, though a new one was installed slightly further back to increase run-off and allow riders to enter pit lane without cutting across the racing line.

Much of the field has had the opportunity to test the new chicane this week, and while they all agree safety is paramount, feedback on the new section of track has been largely negative.

“It is just f\*\*\*\*\*g s\*\*t, even T10,” Avintia’s Loris Baz, who was not the Spanish circuit’s greatest fan to begin with, [told crash.net.](https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/249781/1/riders-on-new-catalunya-chicane-its-not-motogp-level.html)

“That (the old Turn 12) was the only part I was enjoying on this track before. I understand safety must come first. I’m the first one to say that every time. (But) I don’t really get it for Turn 10, even if it (the barrier) was close.

“But I think the walls are closer on some tracks more than it was here – maybe there was something else to do.”

![Dan Istitene/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/679981518.jpg)

Aprilia rider Sam Lowes was equally disappointed at the layout, and was concerned that the new chicane will invite more accidents in the lower categories.

“It’s not a MotoGP chicane. I don’t want to talk bad, it’s a touchy subject given the reasoning behind it,” the Briton stated.

“For me it’s not the way. MotoGP, (it’s) probably okay. Moto2 and Moto3, I promise you, and I don’t want to say it, but the first laps there people are going to be crashing – a lot.

“Before you could run through the (first) right into the left right. Now you go into the right and it’s not good. That track’s a little slower than before. In the end they’ve gone overboard.”

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/05/686011150.jpg)

LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow also is not a fan of the changes, but reckons they cannot be complained about as the MotoGP field specifically asked for them in the first place.

“Yea, but you have to understand that we chose that,” he said.

“We can’t choose it and then start complaining, the guys on the MotoGP grid that is. If guys on the Moto2 and Moto3 grid complain about it maybe we understand.

“But the MotoGP guys can’t complain about it. We chose to make it this was a little bit because of the speed and the wall on the right hand side.

“In the end it’s the way it is and we have to deal with it. It’s not great. But what can we do now, unless we go back to the other one. We’ll see.”