Formula One Spanish Grand Prix
Barcelona
- Date: 10/05/09
- Circuit Length: 4.66km
- Race Distance: 307.104km
- Winner 2008: Kimi Raikkonen – Ferrari
Circuit Guide
BMW on Barcelona:
Technical Insight – Willy Rampf
“Barcelona is a popular venue for testing, so the teams know the circuit like the back of their hands. However, it always manages to throw up new challenges. Wind can often be a major factor. For this reason, you have to make constant adjustments to car set-up and it is therefore easy to lose your way. The fast and medium-fast bends require considerable downforce. The loads on the tyres are therefore pretty high.”
Drivers eye – Nick Heidfeld
“The Circuit de Catalunya is a very different kind of circuit. We’ve covered thousands of kilometres there in testing and the races themselves, but there are still always problems with getting the right set-up. Even the slightest change in the weather or track conditions – due to the amount of rubber laid down – has a big impact. There weren’t very large crowds at Barcelona in the early years, but since Fernando Alonso came onto the scene the stands have been packed and the place generates a great atmosphere. In 2008 I was unfortunately a victim of the Safety Car rules here and had to refuel when the pit lane was closed.”
