The Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona is one that every Formula One team knows well due to the amount of testing conducted there, unfortunately that results in a race that is rarely a festival of overtaking. The reason the teams do a lot of testing at Barcelona is because it throws up a bit of everything: The long pit straight demands good aerodynamic efficiency, there are some very challenging slow speed corners, off-camber and on-camber, and a couple of high-speed corners. If your car is quick here, it should be competitive at most tracks on the calendar.
The first corner is the one that provides the best overtaking potential but other than that, there are few big braking zones and so with the many high-speed corners, overtaking remains extremely difficult. Therefore, a good qualifying performance is vital and the pole sitter has dominated the top step of the podium.
Gran Premio de España Telefónica
Top speed:
308 km/h (190 mph)
Average speed:
205 km/h (127 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
57%
Time under braking:
12%
Gear changes per lap:
44
Tyre compounds:
soft/hard
Tyre wear:
medium
Brake demand:
high
Downforce level:
high
Gran Premio de España Telefónica
Barcelona is famous for being hard on tyres due to the long, high-speed corners and a relatively abrasive track surface. The front left is put under particular strain in the quick right-hand corners such as Turns 3 and 9 and tyre managment can be crucial in the race.
The circuit is not too demanding on engines and only around 60% of the lap is spent at full throttle. However, the kilometre long main straight requires good peak power, while the circuit's unique flow of corners demands good driveability from the engine and a responsive gearbox.
On the chassis side, the circuit offers one of the biggest technical challenges of the season and there's no hiding from a poor car a good car is likely to shine. It's a track where every aspect of set-up needs to be right in order to be quick.
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Gran Premio de España Telefónica
Key Points:
Turn 1 'Elf' – The first corner after the long finishing straight offers the best passing chance.
Turn 9 'Campsa' – A very fast uphill right-hander with a bumpy entry and its crest hiding the exit. Concentration and sensitive use of the throttle is necessary.
Turn 14 and 15 - The final chicane is particularly slow but a clean exit is vital because it affects speed into the last corner and onto the main straight.
