MARCH 17, 1997

Monaco - the changes go ahead

THE changes to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit are going ahead, despite complaints from the F1 drivers that they will detract from the excitement of driving around the harbor-side circuit.

THE changes to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit are going ahead, despite complaints from the F1 drivers that they will detract from the excitement of driving around the harbor-side circuit.

The alterations are being made in the Piscine section of the circuit, where the track jinks out into the harbor around the Principality's public swimming pool. The Swimming Pool was added to the original circuit in 1973, adding 150 yards to the circuit. The changes now taking place are intended to provide additional run-off to improve the visibility for drivers. The organizers say that the changes will provide a fast S bend, which will be named after Monagasque racer Louis Chiron, who won the event in 1931 and went on to become Clerk of the Course for many years until his death in 1979.