The area surrounding Raidillon – the left hander at the top of the hill past Eau Rouge – has long been an area of controversy with drivers getting a good benefit on to the Kemmel Straight if they can straightline it.

Last year, a kerb was placed parallel to the inside of this corner in a bid to deter drivers from taking liberties, but it was removed after Friday practice following complaints.

Instead, a series of white raised speed bumps to the left of the kerbs, that were in place last year, are the only physical deterrent to drivers.

Although these bumps do appear small, they contributed to a high-speed crash at the Euroformula Open race at Spa earlier this year when Nikita Zlobin was lifted into a backflip (video below).

It is unclear at the moment if the FIA will choose to impose any form of penalty on drivers who abuse track limits in this area for the Belgian weekend, with team managers due to meet with F1 race director on Thursday.

At an F1 Strategy Group meeting before the German Grand Prix, teams wanted the FIA to abolish all track limits in a bid to spice up the sport – but Whiting did not believe such a move was practical.

Track changes

The FIA has confirmed that some of the run-off areas have been changed, however, as part of an ongoing review of circuits.

The kerbs and artificial grass on the exit of Turn 7 (the final right hander of Les Combes) have been extended as far as the end of the gravel traps.

While the artificial grass behind the kerb on the exit of Turn 15 (Curve Paul Frere) has been extended back towards the corner as far as the green painted section of asphalt.

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