Spanish Grand Prix 2011 - Circuit De Catalunya, Barcelona
| Number of Laps: | 66 |
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| Circuit Length: | 4.655 km | |
| Race Distance: | 307.104 km | |
| Lap Record: | 1min 21.670sec - Kimi Raikkonen (2008) | |
| 2010 Result: | 1. Mark Webber |
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| First Race: | Year 1913 | |
| Total Races: | 52 |
Spanish Grand Prix is the fifth race of the season, virtually the first European Grand Prix. After Turkish Grand Prix, that marked the start of European Season, teams have tested their new upgrades. Some of the teams are lining up for new upgrades in Spanish GP also.
Last race saw, Red Bull dominance continues with Vettel was invincible and won the race comfortably. But we have seen, Ferrari gearing up for the first podium of the season. Mercedes pace in Qualifying and Practice was also remarkable. This could prove a tough competition in the season ahead.
Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona has a long history in F1. Circuit De Catalunya is part of F1 continuously since 1991. Michael Schumacher being the most successful F1 Driver with 6 wins on this circuit. The circuit is also famous for extensive F1 testing on track. This year, due to the cancellation of Bahrain GP, Drivers and Teams opted to have another pre-testing regime at Barcelona only, that makes Barcelona to conduct testing for almost 8days this year.
Pirelli have introduced their new hard compound for Barcelona to cope up the high tyre wear on the circuit.
With high competition gearing up this season, this will be the most sought race with few possibilities of rain out there. Home ground to double world champion Fernando Alonso makes Ferrari the favorite for the audience.
Circuit Analysis
Barcelona is a mix of high and low-speed corners. The circuit is highly abrasive and rather have bumpy track surface. The circuit does not provide ample amount of overtaking opportunity as their are tight corners with only possibility of overtaking is at the long straight from last turn to the finish line and the first corner.
Qualifying will play an essential part unlike it is a trend in 2011.
Circuit is also hard on tyres with high tyre wear. Pirelli introduction of new hard compound can ease the situation a little bit.
Weather Report
High temperature with partly cloudy on Friday. Hard on tyres and few chance of rain.
| Friday: | Partly Cloudy (Few chances of Rain) |
23 °C | 45% |
| Saturday: | Partly Cloudy (Few chances of Rain) |
23 °C | 42% |
| Sunday: | Clear Sky |
24 °C | 51% |
Ticket Prices
Ticket Prices are starting form $210 for General Admission. For Grandstand Weekend prices vary from $600 to $700 for main grandstands. For Paddock Club it is $5000 for the weekend.
Timing
| Practice 1 | Fri 10:00 (CET) / 13:30 (IST) |
| Practice 2 | Fri 14:00 (CET) / 17:30 (IST) |
| Practice 3 | Sat 11:00 (CET) / 14:30 (IST) |
| Qualifying | Sat 14:00 (CET) / 17:30 (IST) |
| Race | Sun 14:00 (CET) / 17:30 (IST) |
Prediction
As the teams are gearing up after their first European leg in Turkish Grand Prix, Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault are expected to change their fortunes. All the three teams have struggled this season in their consistency with Red Bull and Mclaren. But they can this time change the grounds with the top teams.
But Red Bull is expected to dominate with Sebastian Vettel in full form.
Watch out for home boy Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Vitaly Petrov equally playing their part.
As the midfielders are concerned Force India can aim for points this time.
As the Spanish GP is a tight circuit, Qualifying will play a major role with KERS and DRS equally important during the race. Hard tyre strategy of the teams can see a change in fortune.
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