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The run-off area at Monza’s second chicane has been changed from gravel to asphalt ahead of this year’s Italian Grand Prix, and Tuesday’s test session was the drivers’ first chance to view the revisions first hand.

The alterations were made following discussions between circuit officials and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), who were concerned that the existing gravel trap was an unnecessary hazard, due to the risk of cars digging into it and flipping over at high speed.

“The second chicane now has a tarmac surface instead of gravel and it is good to see that,” said Toyota’s Jarno Trulli, one of the drivers involved in the talks. “A definite step forward.”

The asphalt surface should now make it far easier for drivers to recover from incidents at the chicane, which they approach at speeds of around 330km/h.