De Puniet claims Indy circuit is “not safe enough”
Added on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
De Puniet claims Indy circuit is “not safe enough”
Randy de Puniet has called the safety of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway into question ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix at the famous Brickyard circuit, suggesting that the mix of grip levels make it potentially dangerous for riders.
The Indianapolis GP utilises both the infield section of the IMS and a section of the outer “bowl”, used for the world famous Indy 500, and de Puniet, who is currently recovering from a broken leg, has said that the transition between circuits is a concern.
“The grip level is different in every part of the surface. I do not like this track so much and in my opinion it is not safe enough,” said the Honda LCR rider.
It is not the first time that the circuit at the IMS has been called into question, with tyre manufacturer Michelin raising concerns over the ability of its tyres to maintain grip on the circuit prior to the 2005 Formula One Grand Prix.
But de Puniet is still targeting a strong finish this weekend, despite those concerns, eying a top eight finish on Sunday.
“Last year I was there despite the injury of my left ankle and once again this year I am not at 100%, but I am not worried about it,” he declared.
“Indy has a lot of left corners which is not helpful for my leg but in the last 10 days I made a lot of sport to reinforce the muscles so I feel confident ahead of the GP.
“I will try to finish in the top eight this time.”
