Barcelona 2014
Spanish Grand Prix
Race 11 May 2014
Circuit Name: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Number of Laps: 66
Circuit Length: 4.655 km
Race Distance: 307.104 km
The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona marks the return of Formula 1 to Europe and with it the reappearance of the motor homes and a steady stream of trucks bringing fresh updates from the factories on a daily basis.
The Circuit de Catalunya facility, the host of the Spanish GP, was renamed “Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya” after the signing of a sponsorship agreement between the track and Barcelona City. The race itself is run over 66 laps covering approximately 191 miles or two hours maximum if there are any delays with safety cars or rain.
Mercedes enter the weekend with a near flawless campaign so far, taking pole position and winning all four races. The only blot on their Copy book being Lewis Hamilton’s mechanical failure in Australia’s season opener. Will their run of success stutter as we enter the European leg of this year’s Championship?
All the teams will be bringing big update packages to Barcelona, but with more than a second advantage I think it unlikely that any of the teams will be able to catch them. That being said Red Bull would be the most likely to do so. The Catalonia circuit should suit the Bulls as it is more of a downforce track whereas the Mercedes has had the power advantage over them thus far. The Spanish track has only one descent straight, playing more into the hands of the Anglo-Austrian team’s strength: downforce. Throw into the mix the lack of knowledge regarding how Pirelli’s Hard and Medium tyres will cope on the circuit’s abrasive surface and maybe the chance of rain we could have a classic in the making.
In last year’s race Nico Rosberg qualified on pole position with Hamilton a close second. Fernando Alonso won the race: his thirty-second Grand Prix victory. In second place was Kimi Räikkönen followed by Felipe Massa in third.
My predictions for this year?
I think Mercedes are on too much of a roll. Hamilton has yet to win in Spain and therefore has extra motivation going into the weekend. I don’t think Red bull, Ferrari, or McLaren will be able to catch them. I am though expecting a tougher ride, with the teams throwing everything including the kitchen sink at trying to catch the thus far dominant Silver Arrows.
Enjoy the race, and if my predictions are wrong I shall deny I made them!
Friday 9 May 2014
Practice 10:00 – 11:30.
Practice 14:00 – 15:30
Saturday 10 May 2014
Practice 3 11:00 – 12:00
Qualifying 14:00
Sunday 11 May 2014
Race 14:00
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