Spanish Grand Prix preview
¡Hola! The Formula One matadors roll into Barcelona for the fifth Grand Prix of the 2010 season on Sunday. Viva España.
It was touch and go if anyone would make it there, with volcano ash holding back proceedings and keeping everybody stranded in China. For a while it looked like they might have to drive their race cars in order to make it in time.
The last three races have been pretty exciting following the traffic jam in Bahrain. Things do not bode well for that exciting run continuing, it is rarely a sizzler in Spain. The track is designed for high speeds, but not overtaking and just screams “procession”. If you were unfortunate enough to catch last year’s instalment you will know that it was about as exciting as watching the political debates - the chancellor ones as well - not even the leaders.
The track was built in 1991 to coincide with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It has a huge straight at the start a short one in the middle and a full range of unspectacular corners in-between. Short, long, tight and broad there is a plethora of not particularly challenging turns on a track that is the embodiment of modern circuits.
Any excitement will be had between turns 10-15, they are awkward sections and are sandwiched between the two straights. None of this really offers much for overtaking, and there is a good chance the cars could just bunch up. Joy.
Although it’s early days Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button are starting to stick their necks out from the rest of the field. Vettel continues to grow with every race, he is looking slick out there as tghe Red Bull continues to excel. The Circuit de Catalunya should suit his style as it’s all about consistency and if the German breaks away from the pack there will be no stopping him, bar a retirement. Teammate Mark Webber will be buzzing around like a fly at a picnic as always.
Hands up all those who thought Jenson Button was a one-season wonder? The world champion has dumbfounded critics and outpaced team mate Lewis Hamilton so far. Considering that there was so much made of it being “Hamilton’s team” Button has done very well and you can slowly see a sulk rising in Hamilton’s face. Button won last year without breaking sweat and he will be delighted if he can put in a similar showing.
As for Hamilton, he has driven well all season but things are compounding against him getting on the podium. The former champion’s car has broken down, his tactics have been wrong and the world has conspired against him. Still the Stevenage-born driver is not out of touch yet and would be a decent shout for his first win in Spain.
Fernando Alonso will be keen to do well on his home track. The Spaniard has a huge following in his home nation, Alonsomania is rife, and he will be wanting to give them a something to cheer about with a podium finish. He got first place in Bahrain and Ferrari have mixed fortunes since then, they look fast but a touch off the speed that McLaren and Red Bull are conjuring up.
Many hours have been spent mulling over Michael Schumacher. The main question everyone is asking is why on earth he has bothered to come back? So far it has been a disaster. However rule out the curly-haired warrior at your peril, he is the rain-king and early indications are for a downpour in Spain. He must be delighted about that, so far he has completely flattered to deceive and most people have probably forgotten he’s there. If he can’t turn it on in his favourite element then he may as well just give up.
It’s the German’s teammate Nico Rosberg who has been Mercedes’ shining light so far. He has outclassed Schumi and could soon lay claim to being Mercedes No.1 driver. Which would be a low moment for the seven times champion.
The best of the rest is made up by the usual suspects. The likeable Robert Kubica will be hoping to continue his impressive season as Williams, Force India and Renault knock about fighting over scraps.
If you are planning on spending your Sunday painting the fences, you might be better off watching that dry, we could be in for a snoozefest here. However it rains you never know, it might pick up.
One thing’s for sure, Schumacher is doing his rain dance right now.
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