Monaco to move chicane barrier

The FIA is set to create more run off area at the Monaco chicane by removing the crane that normally sits there, Adam Cooper's blog reveals today.

The barrier hit by Sergio Perez has been moved back since the Karl Wendlinger and Jenson Button accidents. The limiting factor until now has been the presence of the crane, which is parked before a row of trees.

It’s hoped that without the crane the barrier can be moved back to the trees and an extra 20 meters of space can be gained. The TV camera position, currently in front of the crane, would be moved to the trees.

While the Automobile Club de Monaco is keen to have its crane in place the FIA’s argument is that any incident that occurs there in practice or qualifying is in any case likely to be big enough to trigger a red flag, while incidents in the race would lead to a safety car.

The FIA even considered removing the crane on Saturday night after the Perez accident, but relocating the barriers proved too complex a task to perform in the time available.