- CIRCUIT:
Circuito de Cataluna
- EVENT:
Grand Prix of Spain
- LENGTH: 4.726 km
- RACE
DISTANCE: 65 laps
(307.190 km)
- POLE
POSITION: 1:22.088
(M. Hakkinen)
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-
- The Catalan circuit is very popular
because virtually all of the teams go there in the winter to
prepare for the new season by testing and perfecting their new
cars. Hence, the drivers know this circuit well. It's a fast
track with a racing speed averaging close to 200 kph. The engine
has a lot of work to do and therefore braking is hard, especially
at the end of the long pit straight, which is also one of the
best places to make an overtaking attempt. The very abrasive
surface of the track means that drivers have to make sure their
tires don't wear out too quickly. The chassis setup must be flexible
enough to enhance acceleration coming out of the corners. Finally,
sufficiant downforce is needed to get through the sequence of
three long, fast bends in which the drivers can be subject to
as many as 4 Gs.
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