Photo: motoblog.it
Mugello, one of the most iconic road racing circuits in the world has sustained extensive damage because of the extreme winds which affected the Italian region of Tuscany. According to local media, gusts of wind reached 140 km/h (87 mph) and in certain areas the wind speed almost reached 190 km/h (118 mph).
Portions of the grandstand roof in the start/finish line area have been torn and have fallen onto the seats area below, damaging the seats, as well. At the same time, the structure holding the start lights system, as well as other racing-specific equipment alongside various boards and which was overseeing the straight line was completely destroyed and turned into a mass of contorted steel bars.
Mugello is renewed this spring, with new run-off areas in certain sectors, aimed at increasing the safety for the racers. The circuit is owned by Ferrari but the upgrades are being made with involvement from multiple international racing federations, as MotoGP is only one of the racing series which stops at Mugello each year.
Probably the most important change arrives in the Bucine turn, the last bend ahead of the finish straight. The run-off area has been extended, reshaped and heightened to provide better reduction of residual speed for bikes that leave the track. Interventions are being made in the Arrabiata 1 and Arrabiata 2 turns, as well as in San Donato, Luco, Materassi, Casanova, Savelli, Scarperia and Correntaio.
Around Mugello, strong winds have uprooted trees, blocking routes between villages, severing power lines and causing lack of electricity and heating in the communes of Scarperia and San Piero, as motoblog reports.
Nobody was reported injured
Thankfully, nobody was injured as the wind wreaked havoc around the Mugello circuit. And considering that the track is being upgraded this spring and many workers are usually present these days at Mugello makes seeing nobody hurt even nicer.Mugello is renewed this spring, with new run-off areas in certain sectors, aimed at increasing the safety for the racers. The circuit is owned by Ferrari but the upgrades are being made with involvement from multiple international racing federations, as MotoGP is only one of the racing series which stops at Mugello each year.
Probably the most important change arrives in the Bucine turn, the last bend ahead of the finish straight. The run-off area has been extended, reshaped and heightened to provide better reduction of residual speed for bikes that leave the track. Interventions are being made in the Arrabiata 1 and Arrabiata 2 turns, as well as in San Donato, Luco, Materassi, Casanova, Savelli, Scarperia and Correntaio.
Around Mugello, strong winds have uprooted trees, blocking routes between villages, severing power lines and causing lack of electricity and heating in the communes of Scarperia and San Piero, as motoblog reports.
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