Live coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix
The 22 drivers meet in Barcelona to kick off the European season! Motorsinside.com brings you all the action, live and with commentary.
It’s a rather eventful grid that took shape yesterday afternoon on the Circuit de Catalunya!
At the end of the Qualifications, Lewis Hamilton provisionally regained the advantage over Nico Rosberg by securing the 52nd pole of his career. More than the result itself, the timing of this performance is opportune in the evolution of this 2016 Formula 1 season.
With four victories in as many Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg has gained a comfortable lead in the quest for the Drivers’ title. Even though Lewis Hamilton has not had much success so far, the defending champion must absolutely have a calm race to chase victory, which has eluded him since the United States Grand Prix, at the end of October 2015. That was over seven races ago… which is an eternity in the success-laden career of the driver bearing number 44!
But Rosberg has not said his last word. At the start, will he play the offensive card or the safety card? It would be tempting to get carried away and seek a new success at all costs to further extend his beautiful winning streak.
Behind this first row, another formidable duo emerges! Highly charged in the conclusion of Q3, Daniel Ricciardo will start from third place on the grid ahead of his new teammate Max Verstappen, the current sensation. The 18-and-a-half-year-old driver will, for the first time in his career, start a race driving for a top team. Will Red Bull, as per their motto, give him wings towards his first Formula 1 podium?
However, it will be necessary to keep an eye on the two Ferraris on the third row, who will be eager to take their revenge after a particularly sluggish Q3. Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel cannot afford to let the Mercedes slip away again: the task ahead for both men promises to be challenging, even on a circuit known by everyone.
The Circuit de Catalunya indeed provides an ideal preview of the forces in play for the rest of the championship. Indeed, a good car here is often competitive on most other tracks in the calendar.
Spanish spectators will also not forget to follow the performances of their two champions. Carlos Sainz (8th, who will face the unfortunate Daniil Kyvat for the first time) and Fernando Alonso (10th) are both in a position to score points.
But what will truly happen at the time of the final verdict of the 66 race laps?
Answer to follow in the live coverage below!
