2008 Spanish Grand Prix: 8 - 10 May 2009
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2008 DATA:
Length:
4.655 km |
No of Laps:
66 (307.104 Km) |
2008 Pole Position:
Kimi Räikkönen - 1:21.813 min (Ferrari) |
Lap Record:
G. Fisichella - 1:15.641 min (Renault) |
2008 Fastest Lap:
K. Räikkönen - 1:21.670 min (Ferrari) |
2008 Top 8:
1. K. Räikkönen (Ferrari)
2. F. Massa (Ferrari)
3. L. Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes)
4. R. Kubica (BMW Sauber F1 Team)
5. M. Webber (Red Bull Racing)
6. J. Button (Honda)
7. K. Nakajima (Williams-Toyota)
8. J. Trulli (Toyota) |
Spanish GP Facts:
| Full throttle ratio |
57% |
| Top speed race |
308 km/h |
| Longest flat-out section |
16 sec / 1140m |
| Right-/left-hand turns |
9/7 |
| Tyre wear |
medium |
| Brake wear |
low |
| Downforce level |
high |
| Gearshifts per lap |
44 |
Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona (Spain) - Profile
Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya is no stranger to Formula One, especially having been the host of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 as well as the venue for extensive testing by Formula One teams.
Despite the familiarity teams and drivers have of the circuit, the rough and bumpy track remains a challenging one for man and machine, with its mix of high and low-speed corners. In addition to the relatively high tyre-wear, the environment also adds to the degree of difficulty. The circuit is prone to high and varying winds that make it difficult for teams to find the optimum set up for a race.
The Spanish Grand Prix has been afforded the notoriety of being both physically and mentally challenging as well as one that relies heavily on strategy and tactics. The track itself offers few overtaking opportunities - of them the best is the Elf corner. Drivers have to maximise the limited opportunities in the final two turns – the New Holland, where a fast exit is essential in order to gather as much speed down the start-finish straight into Elf.
Barcelona celebrated the 15th anniversary of hosting the Spanish Grand Prix in 2005. In that time, Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher has proven to be the most successful driver at the Spanish circuit with a total of six wins. The German’s run ended in 2005 with a memorable win for the young Finn Kimi Raikkonen in a McLaren and Fernando Alonso in a Renault the following year. In 2007, the honour went back to Ferrari with Brazilian Felipe Massa claiming the top step of the podium.
Located just 30 kilometers from Barcelona, the circuit can be reached by most major motorway routes as well as being accessible by rail. Circuit de Catalunya is only minutes away from the station.
The El Prat de Llobragat Airport serves the city of Barcelona and is about 47 kilometers from the circuit. There are regular airport transfers to the city via bus and train services.
BMW Sauber F1 Team on the Spanish GP and Barcelona
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“The first European race on the calendar is almost like a second start to the season. Barcelona gives Formula One its first opportunity of the year to put its full range of wares on show. The trucks, motorhomes and hospitality facilities not only provide an imposing backdrop, they also make life much easier for everyone. The teams carry out a lot of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya so they know the place inside out. This race will give us a firm idea of where we stand against our rivals.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“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.”
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."
PAST WINNERS:
| Year |
Driver |
Year |
Driver |
| 2007 |
F. Massa (Ferrari) |
1997 |
J. Villeneuve (Williams) |
| 2006 |
F. Alonso (Renault) |
1996 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 2005 |
K. Räikkönen (McLaren) |
1995 |
M. Schumacher (Benetton) |
| 2004 |
M Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1994 |
D. Hill (Williams) |
| 2003 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1993 |
A. Prost (Williams) |
| 2002 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1992 |
N. Mansell (Williams) |
| 2001 |
M. Schumacher (Ferrari) |
1991 |
N. Mansell (Williams) |
|
2000
|
M. Hakkinen (McLaren) |
1990 |
A. Prost (Ferrari) |
|
1999
|
M. Hakkinen (McLaren) |
1989 |
A. Senna (McLaren) |
|
1998
|
M. Hakkinen (McLaren) |
1988 |
A. Prost (McLaren) |
Other Circuits