F1 | Tilke explains the design of a new circuit: “We never start from a blank sheet of paper”

In a chat given to the newspaper 'La Repubblica', Hermann Tilke spoke about the design of a new Formula 1 track, underlining how architects are forced to follow various limits imposed by the Federation, especially in terms of safety and respect for the local culture .

Even though the design of a circuit starts from a deserted piece of land, in fact, whoever signs the project must follow some strict rules imposed by the FIA, an aspect which obviously makes the design absolutely standardized and bound to the safety standards necessary for the release of Grade 1 (necessary standard for a Formula 1 event. ed.).

Tilke, we remember, has signed several new generation systems and in 2020 will give birth to the new track in Hanoi, theater of the next Vietnam Grand Prix. The hope, precisely in this sense, is to complete the work within the expected deadlines.

“We never had a clean sheet of paper to start with,” Tilke stated to the Italian press. “There are many limitations in drafting the layout, including the one on safety evolved after Senna's death. It is a piece of land that we do not own, which is why we must respect cultural and historical traditions. Then there are the costs and the wishes of investors, who want multipurpose structures."

On the Hanoi Grand Prix project he added: “The last project we have in the pipeline is Vietnam and we hope to be ready for next year (the race is scheduled for April. ed.). The time available to us isn't much, but we're used to it."

Finally, conclusion on the support offered by the drivers and Michael Schumacher: “I owe a lot to Michael. I showed him my first sketches and he personally dedicated a lot of his time to me, providing me with suggestions and guidance on how to improve the project. Today several riders help me, but none like Michael."