Steps taken at Spa-Francorchamps after the death of Anthoine Hubert

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is preparing to evolve in the near future for better safety following the tragic death of Anthoine Hubert last Saturday.

The 2019 edition of the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix was mourned on Saturday with the death of 22-year-old French driver Anthoine Hubert in the second lap of the Formula 2 race. Nathalie Maillet, CEO of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, recalls inherent risks of this sport and the constant work done with the International Federation of the Automobile (FIA).

" What happened is unfortunate, and reminds us that zero risk does not exist in motorsports Said Nathalie Maillet at Belga. " The circuit has always worked with the FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation) to improve safety. We must now wait for his report and analyze the exact causes of the accident ".

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps announced several months ago the desire to comply with safety standards to host international motorcycling competitions. It was therefore expected that the circuit evolves well before the tragedy of this weekend.

" We are heading to grade C of the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation, ed). We are still in discussion for the homologation of the circuit with the FIA ​​and the FIM "Says Nathalie Maillet. " Work is planned at Raidillon for the 24 Heures Motos, which will take place in 2022. The clearances will be increased and studied so that there are no more frontal shocks … "

Asphalt clearances were singled out after the accident. If no modification of the route is expected, the investments to accommodate the motorcycles will allow to return the gravel bins at the edge of the track, although their location remains to be determined.

► Death of Anthoine Hubert: an investigation opened by the Liège prosecutor's office

" It is not planned to modify the route at Raidillon. But what is already certain is that we will deliver gravel pits. The standards for motorcycles are stricter. So upgrading the circuit for motorcycles will have a positive effect for cars. Current discussions focus on where to put the gravel pits and their depths. And also to know if they should cover all of such a turn or not. We will try to finalize everything by the end of the year in order to be able to file planning permits. "

Although there was no indication to the contrary, Nathalie Maillet reassured about the future of the F1 Grand Prix.

" This accident does not call into question the arrival of Formula 1 at Spa-Francorchamps. What happened is a race fact. Of course, we are all marked. We must continue to evolve the circuit. We will also continue to develop the extraction center … "