The Marlboro Corner was the chicane
who reduced speed since 1980 at the then controversial fast section
on the back of the circuit. Original there was a fast combination of
a left and a right kink called the "Hondenvlak". The chicane
was constructed between both kinks and they also straighten the
kinks a little. Since 1989 this part of the circuit has never been
used again.
A picture from 1978 from the controversial part with the
fast kinks. The kink on the background is the second one from the "Hondenvlak"
Short before the 1979 Dutch Grand
Prix, Formula One bosses required a chicane at the controversial
fast section on the back of the circuit. Because there was not
enough time left to get the permits for a permanent chicane, a temporary chicane was constructed at the "Hondenvlak".
As a result of the improvised character of this corner it was very
ineffective to reduce speed. After a few laps the drivers could take
the chicane almost flat out! A year later a permanent chicane was
constructed. The Marlboro Corner.
The construction of the temporary chicane in 1979.
The Marlboro Corner during the nineties when this part was
neglected.
The last days of the Marlboro Corner. This picture has been taken at
the end of 1998 during the construction of the new circuit.
When in 1999 the reconstruction of
the circuit was completed, the corner leading to the new section -
who was located close to the site of the old Marlboro Corner -
inherited the name Marlboro Corner. When in 2005 tobacco
advertisement was prohibited they renamed this corner to Masters
Corner, referring to the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 event (Now
sponsored by broadcasting company RTL).
The sound wall on the background is located at the site of
the old Marlboro Corner. Where the track now turns right starts the
new section.
The Masters Corner seen from the site of the old Marlboro
Corner.
Once upon a time there was a controversial fast section of a race
track here. Now it's a golf course!
