Petrol heads, rejoice – the F1 is back! We’ve only just managed to catch our breath from Azerbaijan two weeks ago and already around the corner is the Spanish Grand Prix – a race which normally delivers high-octane action from start to finish! Two weeks ago in Azerbaijan we saw Lewis Hamilton finally reach top spot on the podium for the first time this season. This achievement was with or without thanks to his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who led the race for almost its entirety. Nonetheless, Hamilton will look to continue with his winning ways in Barcelona. So, without further ado, here’s Karting Nation’s preview of the Spanish race taking place this weekend.
What Time Does the Spanish Grand Prix Start?
Spain has a time difference of +1 hour over BST, meaning that this race will be held at 2.10pm UK time on Sunday 13th May. But that’s not all the action over the weekend! Preceding the main event, there will be three practice sessions held over Friday (9.30am and 1.45pm) and Saturday (10.30am), followed by the all-important qualifying at 1pm on Saturday.
History of the Spanish Grand Prix
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is like a second home to many Formula 1 teams as the track has held a race every year since 1991! As the name suggests, the 4.655km (2.892 mi) circuit is located in the Catalan city of Barcelona, which is a major sporting city in its own right, as it is home to football giants FC Barcelona.
There are a total of 66 laps in the main race, but teams will already be very familiar with the circuit, as they conduct extensive testing at the venue prior to the F1 season commencing. The track has a mix of high and low speed corners, which, added to an abrasive and bumpy track surface, makes for a physically and mechanically demanding race.
But, if you handle the track with care, you will certainly reap the rewards. Just ask current Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen who holds the record for the fastest lap back in 2008, and former F1 driver and all-round legend Michael Schumacher who has been the most successful driver at the circuit, with a total of six wins under his belt – or should we say, helmet?
Who Won the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix?
British racer Lewis Hamilton started the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix in pole position after he managed to conquer the qualifying rounds. This meant he was able to hold on and win the race, with Sebastian Vettel finishing second just +3.490 behind Hamilton. Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo came in third across the line, as he finished +1:15.820 behind the race leader.
Who is Likely to Win the Spanish Grand Prix?
Brit Lewis Hamilton currently stands at the top of the driver standings with 70 points, with Vettel closely trailing behind with 66. However, Kimi Räikkönen AKA The Iceman and Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas are sitting in third and fourth places with 48 and 40 points respectively. This means that a win for either Raikkonen or Bottas brings them well within range of leader Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton needs to see that chequered flag in first place ideally, if he is to continue pressing on after a slow – and some would say lucky – start to the 2018 Formula 1 season. But, Hamilton should be confident of this. Considering he was a winner back in Barcelona last year and again in 2014 where be managed to pip fellow then-teammate Nico Rosberg over the finish line to narrowly avoid defeat. If Hamilton did manage to perform well in Barcelona, he would join legends such as Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Mika Häkkinen in an exclusive club of drivers that have won a hat trick of winners medals on Spanish soil. No pressure, Louis!
Final Thoughts
We’re sure to be in for a pulsating race as usual in this year’s Spanish Grand Prix. So, here’s just one last reminder when you catch all the action. The big race on Sunday 13th May starts at 2.10pm UK time but if you can’t wait until then, testing commences from 9.30am on Friday 11th May.