Source: REUTERS/MARK PETERSON
[Saba Sports News] From April 19th to 21st, the
F1 Chinese Grand Prix will start at the Shanghai International Circuit, which
is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Due to the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Grand Prix was suspended starting in 2021,
resulting in a three-year hiatus for F1 races at the venue. During this time,
certain sections of the track had developed bumps and required repairs. To
address these complex technical challenges, the organizing committee employed a
combination of mechanical equipment and digital 3D technology. This innovative
approach surpassed the limitations of traditional milling machines and manual
operations, enabling precise milling, grinding, shot blasting, and sealing
processes guided by digital control. The culmination of these efforts was the
application of a fresh layer of asphalt on the track. The renovations underwent
evaluation inspections from FOM (Formula One Management), international
third-party professional organizations, and the FIA (Federation Internationale
de l’Automobile) five times, ultimately achieving a new round of FIA
first-level track certification. Notably, Shanghai’s utilization of 3D
technology on the F1 track is a pioneering achievement globally and is expected
to offer more viable solutions for future renovation and maintenance projects
on both domestic and international tracks.