Photo: STC2000

Drivers’ views mixed on new Santa Fe layout

The Argentinian Super TC 2000 championship has launched a new version of the Santa Fe Street Circuit for this year’s race, which generated very different opinions from the drivers.

One of the famous corners, the ‘Cervecería’ left hander, has been reduced to a smaller hairpin with an extended braking zone.

“I don’t think the new hairpin will help overtaking as much as many others think,” said Citroën driver Esteban Guerrieri to TouringCarTimes.

“The following turn which leads to the last chicane is really tight, a single car can go flat out, but two cars will not go through. As for the chicane, the kerbs aren’t the best, they have the usual yellow plastic stick, if a driver runs over it, the one behind will have the chance to cut a bit. Despite that, the rest of the track is really fine.”

Renault Sport’s Ignacio Julián on the other hand had a different perspective: “The new hairpin is good for overtaking, despite the straight is not so long. If you are close enough, you can dive in to pass another car.”

YPF Chevrolet’s Facundo Conta added: “The new chicane has a tight entering, but it’s fine. As for the hairpin, it will help to have more equalised lap times, but it also will be critical for the brakes.”