The 2009 Spanish Grand Prix Thread

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Grand Prix Preview (courtesy: The FIA) - For team previews visit the 2009 F1 Team Reports Forum

The fifth event of the Formula One calendar, which is also the start of the European season, takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. The 4.655 kilometre track is located in Montmeló, to the north of Barcelona and is a favourite for test drivers. The circuit’s location leaves it exposed to variable winds, making effective car settings crucial to any team hoping for victory.

The track has few slow corners and the sweeping bends are made all the more difficult by the challenging gradients as the circuit runs up and down the hillside overlooking the massive pit and paddock complex. It is one of the more challenging circuits on the calendar from a technical standpoint and it is certain to provide an exciting Grand Prix for spectators and competitors alike.



CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2008

• A large section of the gravel at turn 3 has been replaced by asphalt.
• New kerbs with better drainage behind them have been installed on the apex of turns 5, 11 and 15.
• The rear of the gravel trap at turn 9 has been raised by 1.5m to give it a gradual upward incline, the gravel itself has also been renewed.
• The kerb and the artificial grass behind it on the exit of turn 9 have been extended by 10 metres.
• An additional conveyor belt has been fitted after two rows of tyres in the five and six row sections straight on at turns 1, 9 and 10.


CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA – INTERESTING FACTS

• Improvements have been made to the circuit with regards to safety. A total of 440m of conveyor belts along with 1,150m of water collection channels were connected and a total of 360km of kerbs renewed. The total length of the new tyre barriers is 3980m which includes 19,000 tyres.

Circuit data

Length of lap: 4.655km
Offset: 0.126km
Total number of race laps: 66
Total race distance: 307.104km
Speed limits in the pit lane: 60km/h during practice sessions; 100km/h during race

Formula One time table

Friday

Practice Session 1: 10.00 – 11.30 hrs
Practice Session 2: 14.00 – 15.30 hrs


Saturday
Practice Session 3: 11.00 – 12.00 hrs
Qualifying: 14.00 – 15.00 hrs

Sunday
Race: 14.00 hrs

[Julian Mayo]

And all the teams who tested here are now arriving with new aero bits, chunks of carbon fibre, pocket knives, race tape n band-aids to stick all over the cars, which they get to test on a green track on Friday.
But they don't have to try to pick 8nPole.
_________________
The Mountain is a savage Mistress.

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First Friday practice session underway.

A number of drivers head out on their installation lap headed by Timo Glock

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All the cars have been revised but the most notable is the BMW Sauber. It is sporting a totally new front wing

Vettel and Webber do 2 installation laps, the rest just 1.

Hamilton, Raikkonen and Barrichello yet to go out

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All the drivers have now completed their installation laps.

Trulli returns to the track.

Weather is sunny, air temperature at 19 degrees while track temperature is at 22 degrees

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Trulli completes another installation lap and pits

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It is all quiet now!

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Fisichella on the track now

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Fisichella pits after another installation lap!

It is quiet again

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There is a reasonable number of spectators on the stands for the 1st Friday session

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Alonso gets in his car and there is a lot of applause from the crowds on the main stand opposite the pits.

Bourdais is on the track

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Bourdais sets a 1:29.551

Glock on the track as well.

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Trulli on the track as well.

For reference, the fastest time during winter testing here was in the 1:18's!

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Glock sets a 1:24.601

Bourdais improves with a 1:26.985

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Trulli sets a 1:24.475