IndyCar: More passing opportunities in Brazil

By ,

IndyCar’s track designer Tony Cotman is expecting more speed and more overtaking on the streets of Sao Paulo following changes that have been made to the track for the upcoming Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle.

A modification to Turns 1 and 2 of the 2.536-mile street circuit will maximize passing opportunities for the drivers as well as give them a chance to post faster lap times during qualifying.

“Turn 2 is about 10 feet wider now and the curbs that are there have been lowered, so the corner will be quicker, without question. The goal was to help improve things for double-file restarts and particularly in the rain. We’ve seen how difficult it can be over the years.” Said Cotman

The widening of the corner will allow cars to race side-by-side as they come off the concrete portion of the Sambadrome and into complex known as the “S” of Samba.

Cotman also said there has been some smoothening of bumps, particularly in Turn 10, as well as some drainage issues.

Start of the 2012 edition. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)