Rainey curve 'just got more challenging'.

As part of the safety changes required by the return of MotoGP to Laguna Seca, the Turn 9 bridge was relocated approximately 440 feet up the track - toward the signature Corkscrew turn - on Thursday, in order to increase the Turn 9 run-off area.

"Today is a significant milestone on the road to bringing the MotoGP World Championship back to the USA," said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. "I'd like to thank our track operations staff, supporting engineers and contractors, Monterey County Parks Dept., our friends at Dorna and Yamaha, and, of course, our fans for making today a reality.

"It will only be a matter of months before we'll get to see Valentino Rossi and our American riders Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins and Kenny Roberts Jr. plunging down the Corkscrew at the Red Bull US Grand Prix," he added.

Moving the bridge allows for the excavation of 35,000 cubic yards of dirt from the hillside on the right side of Turn 9 to create up to an additional 175 feet of run-off room (see lower pics) on the outside of the turn, also known as Rainey Curve in honour of three-time motorcycle world champion and Monterey resident Wayne Rainey, who was present for the relocation.

"Moving the Turn 9 bridge will have a huge visual impact for both the riders and the fans," Rainey said. "Rainey Curve, which I've always considered the most demanding corner on the circuit, just got more challenging for the racers.

"With the bridge moved and additional run-off area being created, riders will have nothing to distract them and will be totally focused on maximizing their speed through the corner. And for the fans, the bridge will no longer obstruct their view as the bikes go through the turn," he added.

The Turn 9 project is the first of several changes mandated by the FIM. Those changes include improving run-off areas, replacing curbing and widening a portion of the front straight.

The track will shut down between May 2 and June 15 to complete the changes. The improvements, funded by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, will not affect the configuration of the world-renowned 11-turn, 2.238-mile permanent road course.