McLaren on Top in Spanish Grand Prix Practice, But Red Bull Closes Gap in Long Runs
The Spanish Grand Prix got off to a thrilling start on Friday, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri setting the fastest lap time in FP2 at a blistering 1:12.760. According to Racing News 365, Piastri’s lap time was three-tenths better than anything his rivals could muster, marking a strong start to the weekend for the championship leader. [1]
As reported by Racing News 365, McLaren enters the Barcelona round looking to continue its strong start to the campaign and bag a seventh win in nine rounds. The team has been in dominant form so far this season, and Piastri’s pace on Friday suggests that they could be in for another strong performance. As Racing News 365 notes, pole position at Barcelona is not as crucial as it is at other circuits, but it is still a good omen, with 70 per cent of grands prix staged at the venue being won from the leading position on the starting grid. [1]
However, Racing News 365 also reports that the long run data paints a different picture, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen posting the best lap times across the high fuel runs. [1] Verstappen averaged a 1:19.918, while his rivals couldn’t get below the 1:20 mark. According to Racing News 365, Verstappen used the soft tyre for his run, while Piastri had the mediums attached, coming in almost one second slower than the four-time champion – a natural deficit considering the difference in tyre compounds. [1]
As Racing News 365 notes, Norris lapped closest to Verstappen, but was almost three-tenths down, while Charles Leclerc, who was the leading Ferrari, was only an average of one-tenth slower than Norris. [1] The data suggests that while McLaren may have the upper hand over one lap, Red Bull could be in for a strong showing in the longer runs. As Racing News 365 reports, a victory for Verstappen would go a long way in keeping his title hopes alive. [1]
The Spanish Grand Prix is known for its overtaking opportunities, and Racing News 365 reports that Turn 1 and Turn 10 are likely to be the most popular spots for drivers to make a move. [1] The circuit’s layout and tyre compounds used will play a crucial role in determining the racing order, and Racing News 365 notes that all teams will be hoping the stricter guidelines on flexing front wings will have a positive impact on their performance. [1]
In conclusion, Friday’s practice sessions at the Spanish Grand Prix have set the stage for an exciting race on Sunday. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri topped the timesheets, but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen closed the gap in the long runs. As Racing News 365 notes, nothing is certain until the cars enter parc ferme conditions on Saturday afternoon, and teams will be pushing hard to fine-tune their cars for the qualifying session. [1]
References:
[1] Racing News 365: Spanish GP practice data illustrates nail-biting race in store – https://racingnews365.com/spanish-gp-practice-data-illustrates-nail-biting-race-in-store
