Presentation – GP d’Espagne: Mechanical bulls in the Barcelona arena
For some years now, Spain has traditionally marked the arrival of the great Formula 1 circus in Europe. Last year, the surprise winner was Max Verstappen in his Red Bull debut. But in 2017, we're expecting to see a new stage in the duel that Ferrari and Mercedes have been waging since the start of the year.
I am really thrilled to return to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix. It’s my home race, I’ve had great times there, and the atmosphere is always crazy. We spend a lot of time there for pre-season testing, but nothing compares to the emotion of racing in front of the fans, at home. It’s a very special feeling.
Nothing better than these emotionally charged words from Fernando Alonso to describe the fervor of the Spanish public for F1. Deprived of drivers for many years, the Iberians can count on the McLaren driver and his young protégé, Carlos Sainz with Toro Rosso, to proudly represent their colors on the starting grid.
The track is well-known to drivers who spend part of the winter in Catalonia to fine-tune their new car. It is commonly said that if a car performs well in Barcelona, it will be effective everywhere else. This Grand Prix weekend is therefore a real test for all the teams. They also settle back into their comfort zones with the arrival of giant motorhomes and luxurious hospitality that delight photographers and paddock regulars.
The rain as a surprise guest?
The weather in Barcelona is not often unpredictable, but when it is, it can totally change the outcome. Everyone still remembers Michael Schumacher’s masterful victory in 1996, his first in a long series with Ferrari, in hellish weather conditions that saw the Red Baron give the rest of the field a driving lesson. With unique corner trajectories and a steady hand on the wheel, he tamed the dominant Williams cars of Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve to raise his arms in victory for the first time in red.
The Barcelona track was also the scene of Pastor Maldonado’s only Formula 1 victory in 2012 with Williams. To date, it is also the British team’s last victory, which saw its garage catch fire right after the Colombian’s victory due to an electrical short circuit that ultimately caused no serious damage.
Can Red Bull contend for victory?
But besides Maldonado, the Spanish Grand Prix also marked the win of the very young Max Verstappen last year, driving his Red Bull in his first race with the Austrian team, replacing Daniil Kvyat.
A little bit behind since the start of the season, Red Bull, like most of the teams, is bringing a major upgrade to its car in Barcelona. As for the Renault power unit, it will have to wait until the Canadian round for a significant improvement. So, will Daniel Ricciardo and his teammate be able to join the fight for victory this Sunday? It’s uncertain, even though both drivers are loudly proclaiming to anyone who will listen that a new season starts this weekend!
To (really) know everything…
The big Spanish sun won’t really be making an appearance this weekend. Clouds and rain are expected throughout the three days, with Friday predicted to be the rainiest. However, the race on Sunday is expected to take place in dry conditions with some sunny spells.
This is not an #F1Test, we are officially in #SpanishGP mode. https://t.co/mqF5IF23h1 pic.twitter.com/nei71To7T0
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 9 mai 2017
Pirelli has chosen to bring its Hard, Medium, and Soft compounds for a race known to be hot. But the Intermediate and Wet tires could well be brought out of their heating blankets, at least for Friday’s session.
Don’t forget the TV schedule!
From our special correspondent in Barcelona
