LM24: Porsche Curves get SAFER Barrier upgrades

The ongoing safety upgrade of the Porsche Curves at Le Mans will continue with the addition of more SAFER barriers. The new barriers will be located on the exit of the first part of the double left after the right-hander that leads into the famous section of the Circuit de la Sarthe. The SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) system will sit in front of the existing concrete wall and is scheduled to be in place ahead of this year's Le Mans 24 Hours on June 18-19.

The latest round of upgrades follow the addition of SAFER barriers at the right-hander in 2014 and an increase in the size of the gravel trap at the same corner for last year, plus the addition of more run-off at Corvette Corner (formerly known as Karting) in the Porsche Curves.

Toyota driver Anthony Davidson welcomed the increase in the use of SAFER barriers in the Porsche Curves.

"It's got to be a good thing, because that is one of the most dangerous parts of the track," he said. "If you get it wrong there, you are going to hit the barriers."

Davidson added that the reduction in the already limited run-off at the first left in the Porsche Curves could be a good thing.

"Sometimes having the barrier closer to the track can be better in the event of an accident, because you are more likely to glance into them at a shallower angle," he explained.

Davidson stressed that it was important that the challenge of the circuit at Le Mans was retained through the on-going safety improvements.

"What I wouldn't want to see is more asphalt run-off there, because we have got to keep the heritage of the place," he said.

Changes to the layout of the public roads in the vicinity of the Indianapolis and Arnage corners will not affect the layout of the 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.

The addition of a new section of road and a roundabout to the south of Arnage Corner are being built because the crossroads at which the track turns right at 90 degrees is a local accident black spot. The changes will effectively make Indianapolis corner part of the permanent race circuit.

Originally on Autosport.com