iSport F1 Pitstop: iSporter Gautam TP believes that Mclaren does have it in them to clinch victory at the Spanish GP in Catalunya.
The 2010 Formula One World Championship heads back to the heart and homeland of racing, Europe. Mclaren races into the European circuits leading both the Drivers Championship and Constructors Championship. Mclaren has so far enjoyed a tricky racing season having won two of the four races and been on podium twice with a car that still needs to step up to beat the likes of Red Bulls and Ferraris. With Mercedes, Renault and Force India catching up quickly, its time Mclaren solve their qualifying woes and fight from the front of the race grid.
Though the initial weather forecast is partly cloudy, a damp and dry circuit will count the pure performance from the Mclaren MP4 25. Like the previous race in Shanghai, the circuit needs a big compromise in the car setup. The car needs to handle well on the medium downforce slow corners and low downforce high speed straight. With a well working F Duct, Mclaren will be confident about the extra speed they will gain on the high speed straight of Catalunya that spans over a kilometre. The weight balance from the lateral load transfer while braking into the slow corners of Catalunya will play a significant role in the overall car handling. Bridgestone has predicted graining on the left front tyre due to the nature of the slow corners. Teams will be using the Hard and Soft tyre compounds for Catalunya. Hamilton will have to be cautious with this driving style that induces understeer, because a car that understeer will be punished the most in Catalunya. With his recent performance, he is looking great and learned well to adapt to these racing conditions.
Mclaren will be introducing new front wings, rear wings and an updated floor for the European leg. With the vital data available from the pre season test runs in February, Mclaren will be well prepared for the Spanish GP. What will also benefit the team is the powerful and robust Mercedes engine. Circuit de Catalunya is relatively easier on the engines and this will be an added advantage for the team. I am confident Mclaren will kickoff the European campaign with a victory retaining the lead in both championships over the rivals.
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