Latest news with #AlexWurz
Top Gear
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Can the Monaco Grand Prix be fixed by changing just three corners?
Formula One Check out this idea from ex-Benetton driver Alex Wurz. No sprinklers or mandatory two-stops required Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading That whole two mandatory pit stops thing didn't really work, did it? The top four all finished as they started, overtaking was basically impossible, and the only real drama came from watching RB and then Williams tactically back up the pack. Meh. So how do you actually fix the Monaco Grand Prix? In a way that doesn't call for a randomised sprinkler system, or a cockpit full of bananas a la Mario Kart ? Advertisement - Page continues below Well, former F1 driver and double Le Mans winner Alex Wurz – who happens to run his own racetrack design company – has come up with a couple of suggestions. And they look… kinda sensible. Check 'em out in the video below. First, the Austrian recommends getting rid of the existing Nouvelle chicane, thus giving drivers an extra 80m of straight to work with out of the tunnel. Just enough to make a divebomb possible instead of fanciful. You might like This'd be followed by a 90-degree left- and then a tight right-hander, and would need a small amount of harbour filling in with concrete. It's Monaco, so well within the locals' budget. Then Wurz suggests reprofiling Rascasse by moving the apex of the corner out by a couple of meters and widening the outside, forcing drivers to make a choice between taking the ideal racing line or defending the (slower) inside. Could open up some opportunities at Sainte Devote, that. Advertisement - Page continues below Finally, Wurz reckons that widening the Fairmont hairpin would boost the number of overtaking chances at his new chicane, as it'd slow down the defending driver. READ MORE Monaco GP: what does the track look like normally? All sounds entirely logical. Which means there's zero hope the organisers will actually do it. We reckon George Russell was onto something when he straight-lined the chicane on Sunday: imagine if every driver could do that, with three permitted joker laps per race? Just a thought. Any other suggestions out there? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
FACT
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- FACT
Saudi Arabia shifts into high gear with Mercedes-AMG World
Saudi Arabia is proving that it doesn't do anything by halves. The Kingdom is in the middle of transforming itself into a global entertainment hub, and its latest announcement is revving up excitement among car enthusiasts. The world's first Mercedes-AMG experience, called The Mercedes-AMG World of Performance is coming to Qiddiya, promising a thrilling, high-octane attraction. Located in Qiddiya City, The Mercedes-AMG World of Performance will span 45,000 square meters. If you love speed, this one's for you. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported into the world of speed, precision, and power. The attraction will showcase over a century of motorsport innovation, highlighting the brand's success on the racetrack and beyond. It'll also feature nine floors of exhibits, simulators, and real-world driving experiences. The exhibits will take you behind the scenes of an F1 team, offering a first-hand look at everything. With over 60 state-of-the-art simulators and a Motion 4D Simulator Theatre, you'll get to experience the rush of professional racing as well. Young fans aren't left out either. A dedicated section will offer hands-on activities, including designing a dream race car and working together in a pit garage to learn the teamwork required in motorsports. Now, The Mercedes-AMG World of Performance wouldn't be a true racing experience without a track so Qiddiya is building one of that too. The Qiddiya Speed Park circuit, featuring 21 turns, will run directly underneath The Mercedes-AMG World of Performance. Designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz and circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the track will feature some of the most iconic corners in racing history, drawing inspiration from the famous circuits around the globe. It's also expected to host major international racing events, cementing Saudi Arabia's growing influence in motorsports. Scheduled to open by 2030, The Mercedes-AMG World of Performance is backed by Qiddiya Investment Company, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. It promises to be one of the star attractions in the Kingdom, promising an experience like no other. So if you love speed, this is one stop you won't want to miss. GO: Visit for more information.
