Catalunya set for resurfacing to keep place on 2018 MotoGP calendar

The Catalunya circuit in Spain is set to undergo a much-needed resurfacing and modification to its final sector in a bid to keep its place on the MotoGP calendar, following numerous complaints at this year’s race.

The final sector to the Catalunya track was altered last year following the tragic death of Luis Salom in a Moto2 practice session, the bikes using the Formula 1 layout in a bid to improve safety.

The section was further modified for 2017, with a new chicane installed for the bikes to improve the distance between the track and the wall just before the entry to pit lane.

However, the asphalt laid and the dangerous nature of the corner came under heavy flak from riders, and the Formula 1 layout was used from the Saturday onwards.

Many riders also derided the state of the tarmac – which was last resurfaced in 2007 – with many branding its lack of grip and vicious bumps almost impossible to ride on.

As a result, the future of the Catalan Grand Prix – which has been staged at the venue since 1995 – came under serious doubt.

Coming under pressure from Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, circuit boss Joan Fontsere confirmed to Autosport.com that planned resurfacing work would be brought forward by a year, and the original Turn 12 will be reinstated.

“We’ve been working for one and a half years, trying to find the resources to resurface the track for the 2018-2019 financial period, and now what we want to do is advance this by one year,” Fontsere said.

“For Turn 12, our main intention is to keep the original layout. We want to move the grandstand downwards in order to increase the run-off area.

“Our plan will be the same as what we did with the chicane: first we will send it to Dorna, then to the Safety Commission and last but not least, to the FIM, which is in charge of the homologation.”

Catalunya is not the only Spanish MotoGP venue set for a resurfacing, with the local government awarding Jerez €1 million to lay new tarmac for the first time since 2008 following similar complaints from riders of a severe lack of grip.