The ninth spherical of the season, the Spanish Grand Prix, takes place on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, bringing the European triple-header to a detailed. This weekend sees the introduction of latest guidelines referring to the flexibleness of the wings on the vehicles, which as from now should meet extra extreme exams.
The observe structure options excessive, medium and low velocity corners, with an extended principal straight, which makes for a stern take a look at of the vehicles, in addition to being a circuit the place overtaking is sort of troublesome. With the ocean not distant, adjustments in wind route are an element to reckon with, as this strongly impacts steadiness on the vehicles which run in a medium to excessive downforce aero configuration. As all the time, there are two DRS zones, one on the principle straight, resulting in the primary esses and the opposite after flip 9 on the again straight, offering an overtaking alternative going into flip 10. Aside from the 2 straights, drivers can go for a passing transfer at flip 5, which requires excellent preparation. Up to now few years, the observe has undergone numerous modifications: in 2021, turns 10 and 11 have been remodelled into one lengthy hairpin, in order that it was just like the unique 1991 structure. Then in 2023, the unpopular remaining chicane, a thorn within the aspect as a result of it favoured the vehicles with higher traction, was eliminated and the observe was put again to its authentic configuration, with two very quick corners rounding off the lap earlier than main flat-out onto the start-finish straight.
Fred Vasseur: With the primary third of the season now behind us, it is time for the Spanish Grand Prix at a observe that may be very acquainted to all drivers and groups. We come to Barcelona off the again of two constructive races, whereas on the final one in Monaco, we additionally made progress by way of our qualifying efficiency. Due to this fact this weekend our purpose is to maintain the momentum going. The stricter static exams on the flexibleness of the entrance wing come into power at this spherical and that too is one thing that must be taken into consideration.
Ferrari on the Spanish GP
54: GP Contested
1951: Debut (J.F. Gonzalez 2nd; A. Ascari 4th; P. Taruffi ret.; L. Villoresi ret.)
12 (22.22%): Wins
14 (25.92%): Pole positions
12 (22.22%): Quickest laps
38 (23.45%): Podiums
Three inquiries to Marc Gene, Ferrari Ambassador
What are you able to inform us concerning the traits of this observe? Marc Gene: The drivers actually just like the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, particularly with its new structure. It is nonetheless a gradual observe, however because of modifications it has turn out to be ever extra attention-grabbing. For instance, flip 10 has turn out to be a really quick nook the place even overtaking is feasible, or the final two corners which have gone again to how they have been initially in 1991. It is now enjoyable and difficult, particularly with the present vehicles.
From a technical standpoint, it is a observe the place aerodynamics and the mechanical features of the automobile are crucial. It asks numerous the tyres in addition to the engine, as a result of the principle straight may be very lengthy and requires full throttle. Every a part of the automobile is confused, so all of the technical departments have loads of work to do! That is additionally why this observe was used so usually for testing and why groups carry updates right here.
What are your ideas on System 1 proper now, each technologically and in relation to the present? MG: System 1 is in nice form and technologically, it is at a really excessive degree. The ability models are extraordinarily refined and environment friendly. A number of years in the past, it could have appeared unimaginable {that a} 1.6 litre engine might produce 1000 horsepower, which exhibits simply how a lot improvement work everybody in System 1 has put into this. The identical will be mentioned of the chassis, whose flooring generates a lot downforce and drivers say that driving these vehicles is de facto particular. The present vehicles are very large and likewise very heavy, so I am eager to see what is going to occur with the brand new laws subsequent yr when the vehicles will begin to turn out to be lighter and smaller. As for the present, System 1 goes by means of a golden second, because it had the nice sense to open itself as much as an entire new viewers with a brand new method of speaking, making it massively common all around the world. Its recognition is stratospheric with sold-out Grands Prix and an entire new viewers of younger followers and that creates nice power.
You’ve gotten labored with Ferrari for over 20 years. How does it really feel, representing the marque all over the world?MG: There is not a day goes by once I do not feel that I am a really fortunate man and it is a privilege to work for Ferrari for thus many causes. For its historical past and the dream made actual by Enzo Ferrari, which remains to be happening at present. For the very fact this staff has received greater than every other within the historical past of the game. For the satisfaction that goes with being a part of this unbelievable staff, one thing which each driver aspires to, as exemplified by Lewis becoming a member of. And for the eagerness that every one our folks put into their work daily. This ardour is rewarded with the help of the tifosi, all the time there no matter occurs and so they deserve thanks for making Ferrari actually particular.
Spanish Grand Prix: Information & Figures
0.5. The factors scored so far by a girl driver in System 1. It was right down to Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi within the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, on the wheel of a Ford powered March. She completed sixth, though by no means seeing the chequered flag, because the race was crimson flagged and never restarted. Germany’s Rolf Stommelen was main when he crashed, struggling severe accidents, however worse, his automobile flew over the obstacles killing one spectator Andres Ruiz Villanova, photo-journalists Mario de Roia and Antonio Font Bayarri and a fireplace marshal, Joakuin Morera. At this time, there are various females competing in motorsport, together with two Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy college students Maya Weug and Aurelia Nobels each racing within the F1 Academy sequence.
8. The variety of wins for Scuderia Ferrari on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, probably the most of any staff. The staff additionally holds the file for probably the most podiums (25), factors scored (431) and laps within the lead (603).
28. The proportion of races the place the Security Automotive has made an look in races on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The primary was the 2003 version, when Kimi Raikkonen within the McLaren was unable to keep away from hitting Antonio Pizzonia’s Jaguar on the grid. In 2008 and 2018 the Security Automotive put in two appearances, whereas the final time it was seen was in 2021, after Yuki Tsunoda’s automobile stopped along side the observe.
35. The variety of Spanish Grands Prix, together with this Sunday’s race, to be held on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. Solely eight different venues have hosted extra: Monza leads the best way on 74, adopted by Monaco, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Interlagos, Nurburgring, Hungaroring and Hockenheim.
1901. The yr through which the Tibidabo amusement park opened in Barcelona, making it one of many oldest in Europe and the world, method forward of more moderen sights akin to Disneyland. The park featured many mechanical sights that left its early guests awestruck, together with the primary ever rollercoaster in Spain. It has preserved lots of its early sights in working order, together with the Tibidabo Airplane that dates from 1928, a flight simulator that permits the general public to “fly” over town with out leaving the bottom, in a full-scale mannequin of a aircraft from that period. The very best rollercoaster within the Barcelona space is to be discovered at Ferrari Land in PortAventura. Known as Pink Drive it has a vertical drop of 112 metres and reaches speeds of 180 km/h.
