Thursday, April 24, 2008
# posted by Rich @ 4:17 PM
2008 Formula 1 Gran Premio De Espana Telefonica: Preview
After a three week gap, the 2008 Formula 1 season continues in Barcelona (actually Granollers, some 10 miles NNE of Barcelona) - the first of two Grand Prix venues in Spain in 2008. The Spanish Grand Prix customarily marks the start of the European season of the F1 calendar, a period in which the most rapid car development takes place.
In the three week gap since the last Grand Prix in Bahrain, most of the teams have been testing at the Circuit de Catalunya. Felipe Massa was fastest in the Ferrari, although he was testing on Bridgestone slick tyres, which are to be re-introduced for the 2009 season. Other teams were testing slicks as well as their 2009 spec cars. Because of the variety of different set-ups that were being tested, it is difficult to gauge whether any of the teams made any major progress, but it is likely that Ferrari are still the cars to beat, followed by BMW. McLaren gave mixed signals about their test, with Lewis Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh alternately stating that they had made progress and that the test was inconclusive. Renault set some impressive times at the recent test, but again these may not be indicative. Nevertheless, according to technical director Pat Symonds, they have a very substantial new aero package on the car and will be hoping for some major performance gains.
Given that so many of the teams test (and of course tested very recently) at the Circuit de Catalunya and thus know and understand the track very well, there are unlikely to be any major surprises for the race, unless of course any of the teams have made huge improvements in their performance. One question mark remains though - the status of Super Aguri. Within the last week, it emerged that the deal from the Magma consortium to buy the Anglo-Japanese outfit fell through, leaving the team in dire financial straits. It was uncertain whether they would turn up for the race (they missed the recent test session), but have now arrived in Barcelona, and look like they will be competing.
The weather for the race is predicted to be sunny and warm - temperatures in the low 20s C/ low 70s F - throughout the weekend, with a low chance of rain.
Given their recent form, it would probably be unwise to bet against Ferrari, in particular Felipe Massa. He won here last year from pole and even survived a small fire in the pits; team mate Raikkonen retired with electrical problems. The BMWs also look strong, and the McLarens still look to be a bit behind. Have they and Renault managed to improve any? And what about Honda's latest aero package? We'll have to wait for tomorrow's practice sessions to find out.
In the three week gap since the last Grand Prix in Bahrain, most of the teams have been testing at the Circuit de Catalunya. Felipe Massa was fastest in the Ferrari, although he was testing on Bridgestone slick tyres, which are to be re-introduced for the 2009 season. Other teams were testing slicks as well as their 2009 spec cars. Because of the variety of different set-ups that were being tested, it is difficult to gauge whether any of the teams made any major progress, but it is likely that Ferrari are still the cars to beat, followed by BMW. McLaren gave mixed signals about their test, with Lewis Hamilton and Martin Whitmarsh alternately stating that they had made progress and that the test was inconclusive. Renault set some impressive times at the recent test, but again these may not be indicative. Nevertheless, according to technical director Pat Symonds, they have a very substantial new aero package on the car and will be hoping for some major performance gains.
Given that so many of the teams test (and of course tested very recently) at the Circuit de Catalunya and thus know and understand the track very well, there are unlikely to be any major surprises for the race, unless of course any of the teams have made huge improvements in their performance. One question mark remains though - the status of Super Aguri. Within the last week, it emerged that the deal from the Magma consortium to buy the Anglo-Japanese outfit fell through, leaving the team in dire financial straits. It was uncertain whether they would turn up for the race (they missed the recent test session), but have now arrived in Barcelona, and look like they will be competing.
The weather for the race is predicted to be sunny and warm - temperatures in the low 20s C/ low 70s F - throughout the weekend, with a low chance of rain.
Given their recent form, it would probably be unwise to bet against Ferrari, in particular Felipe Massa. He won here last year from pole and even survived a small fire in the pits; team mate Raikkonen retired with electrical problems. The BMWs also look strong, and the McLarens still look to be a bit behind. Have they and Renault managed to improve any? And what about Honda's latest aero package? We'll have to wait for tomorrow's practice sessions to find out.
Labels: Formula 1, Grand Prix, Spain
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