LifeW12
Podium Finisher
Given its the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, we are all reminded of the brilliant final corner that was lost in 2007 when the ludicrous chicane was added to the track. Here are some other corners that have been lost - either through circuit revisions, or removal from the calendar.
Osterreichring - Bosch Kurve: The most challenging corner on one of racing's most beautiful circuits. This long right hander did not have any run off (until 1988, after F1 abandoned it) and was approached at 210 mph with the fastest cars in qualifying. I can't recall any major crashes here, however the sight of 1000 hp cars tacking this beast of a corner was something special. The corner currently lies under a pile of dirt, having been removed in the 1996 rebuild to now the Red Bull Ring.
Silverstone - Club Corner/Bridge Corner: The old Silverstone (pre 1991) was a series of fast kinks with little run off, but lots of satisfaction for the drivers. Club Corner was the second of the ultra fast right handers, following the fast Stowe Corner. Both were taken at over 150 mph on a real hot lap. The loss of Club in the 1991 rebuild was a sad day, however fans were greeted to another great corner: Bridge. A blind approach and turn in at 180 mph was one of the best sights at Silverstone. The addition of the Abbey chicane in 1994 did neuter this corner somewhat, however it was always discussed. The corner now lies dormant, having been "retired" following the 2010 reconstruction.
Mexico City - Peralta: The fast banked final corner was one of the most challenging corners in F1, even with reduced banking in 1992. It was the sight of Mansell's epic pass on Berger in 1990 and Senna's big roll in 1991. One of those corners that the drivers both hated and loved at the same time. Now its a flat shadow of its former self, destined not to be used if the Mexican GP does indeed return in 2015.
Kylalami - Crowthorne to Sunset Bends: The old Kyalami was a short track but contained some of racing's most reveered corners. The first few corners from Crowthorne to Sunset was a challenge to any driver in any race car. The downhill run into Crowthorne was a haven for last of the late brakers. The following 2 corners, Barbecue and Jukskei sweep were right on the limit, 155 mph with no grip. A real challenge to perfect. Sunset Bend was a long right hander that rewarded accuracy. Sadly its the only one of these 4 famous corners remaining, houses now covering the other 3.
Spa - Eau Rouge: Yeah I know its still there, but its no longer a corner. The "real" Eau Rouge was a much tighter version, with no run off at the top. The drivers would aim at a wall they could not see.
Suzuka - 130R (the original): The current 130R is a shadow of its former self. The old turn was much tighter, blind and with no room for error, as Allan McNish demonstrated. This corner was a special moment of the season. The remodelling of the corner was a travesty, its not really that hard anymore.
Please suggest other lost corners from F1.
Osterreichring - Bosch Kurve: The most challenging corner on one of racing's most beautiful circuits. This long right hander did not have any run off (until 1988, after F1 abandoned it) and was approached at 210 mph with the fastest cars in qualifying. I can't recall any major crashes here, however the sight of 1000 hp cars tacking this beast of a corner was something special. The corner currently lies under a pile of dirt, having been removed in the 1996 rebuild to now the Red Bull Ring.
Silverstone - Club Corner/Bridge Corner: The old Silverstone (pre 1991) was a series of fast kinks with little run off, but lots of satisfaction for the drivers. Club Corner was the second of the ultra fast right handers, following the fast Stowe Corner. Both were taken at over 150 mph on a real hot lap. The loss of Club in the 1991 rebuild was a sad day, however fans were greeted to another great corner: Bridge. A blind approach and turn in at 180 mph was one of the best sights at Silverstone. The addition of the Abbey chicane in 1994 did neuter this corner somewhat, however it was always discussed. The corner now lies dormant, having been "retired" following the 2010 reconstruction.
Mexico City - Peralta: The fast banked final corner was one of the most challenging corners in F1, even with reduced banking in 1992. It was the sight of Mansell's epic pass on Berger in 1990 and Senna's big roll in 1991. One of those corners that the drivers both hated and loved at the same time. Now its a flat shadow of its former self, destined not to be used if the Mexican GP does indeed return in 2015.
Kylalami - Crowthorne to Sunset Bends: The old Kyalami was a short track but contained some of racing's most reveered corners. The first few corners from Crowthorne to Sunset was a challenge to any driver in any race car. The downhill run into Crowthorne was a haven for last of the late brakers. The following 2 corners, Barbecue and Jukskei sweep were right on the limit, 155 mph with no grip. A real challenge to perfect. Sunset Bend was a long right hander that rewarded accuracy. Sadly its the only one of these 4 famous corners remaining, houses now covering the other 3.
Spa - Eau Rouge: Yeah I know its still there, but its no longer a corner. The "real" Eau Rouge was a much tighter version, with no run off at the top. The drivers would aim at a wall they could not see.
Suzuka - 130R (the original): The current 130R is a shadow of its former self. The old turn was much tighter, blind and with no room for error, as Allan McNish demonstrated. This corner was a special moment of the season. The remodelling of the corner was a travesty, its not really that hard anymore.
Please suggest other lost corners from F1.
to think of what they've done with the Osterreichring... 
