We’ve had two chaotic races in a row, with Canada following Monaco. Both featured safety cars and red flags, the first we had seen of them all year. Now, the F1 paddock move on to Valencia, where things are likely to be a little bit calmer. The European GP has not been known for its exciting races, particularly since it moved to the dockyard in Spain, and the new regulations will be tested to the max.

Event Schedule

Sebastian Vettel made his first major mistake in a race during the Canadian Grand Prix, and under pressure from the McLaren, he handed the win to his rival. It’d be foolish to assume this is the start of a downwards trend for the dominating German, but it at least shows he’s not superhuman, and there can be a chink in the armour.

Ferrari showed improved pace in Montreal, which may or may not have been to do with the circuit more than the drivers or any car upgrades. McLaren will also be riding the momentum of their rocket red victory.

Session Timetable
Date Day Session Time (GMT+1)
24 Jun Friday Free Practice 1 09:00
Free Practice 2 13:00
25 Jun Saturday Free Practice 3 10:00
Qualifying 13:00
26 Jun Sunday Grand Prix 13:00

 

The Weather

After the rain dragged the Canadian Grand Prix out a lot longer than it should have done, it looks like things will be clear and hot over the weekend in Valencia. Long range forecasts suggest only Sunday will be sunny, but it will be dry throughout.

Friday, 24 June

  • 25℃
  • Low: 18℃
  • Humidity: 46%
  • Cloudy

Saturday, 25 June

  • 17℃
  • Low: 12℃
  • Humidity: 82%
  • Cloudy
Sunday, 26 June 

  • 16℃
  • Low: 11℃
  • Humidity: 94%
  • Sunny

Circuit Map

The Circuit

Circuit Data
Name Valencia Street Circuit
Location Spain
Timezone GMT +0200
First Race 2008
Laps 57
Length 5.419 km
Distance 308.883 km
Start / Finish Offset 0.000 km

The Valencia circuit features 25 corners, which is an awful lot, particularly when they all look the same, and are very, very grey. It is similar to the Monaco circuit, in that the walls are in close proximity, and there is little room for error.

In contrast to the other street circuits on the calendar, it’s a fast-flowing circuit, with just a couple of slow corners to test the drivers. It will also be the first time the medium tyres are used, although they were tested during Free Practice at the last race. Pirelli are expecting a high rate of wear, but are hoping there will be less marbles.

2010 Results
Session Driver Team Time
Free Practice 1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1:41.175
Free Practice 2 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:39.283
Free Practice 3 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:38.052
Qualifying Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:37.587
Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1hr 40:29.571
Fastest Lap Jenson Button McLaren 1:38.766

Tyre Compounds