Formula 1 is getting ready for the second free practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix. Most teams, if not all, will be bringing new upgrades this weekend which makes to two Friday practice sessions all the more important.
Live blog of FP2 for the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix
The race weekend in Barcelona promises to be another exciting battle between Ferrari and Red Bull Racing. Both teams took several updates with them on the way to Barcelona which they were able to try out for the first time during the first free practice. However, there is still work to be done for both parties.
Read more
Sainz makes fans at Spain GP clear promise: 'I can guarantee that'
In the past two races Max Verstappen pulled the longest straw, but in Barcelona Charles Leclerc also has a good chance of winning again. Moreover, Carlos Sainz will be keen to put in a good performance in his homeland, while Sergio Perez also wants to achieve something in Spain after the birth of his son.
The second free practice session is the last chance for the racing teams on Friday to do some testing. Saturday they prepare for the final practice session in the Spanish sun, followed a few hours later by the important qualifying session for Sunday's race.
The 2022 season so far
View this post on InstagramEquipped with new rules and regulations, the teams started the first race in Bahrain around two months ago. Straight away, it became clear the winners of the last eight Constructors' Championship titles were not on the pace. Mercedes lagged behind both Ferrari and Red Bull who seemed to ace the changes to the aerodynamics, as well as have strong engine performance.
The Red Bull car is much quicker in a straight line compared to their rivals whereas Ferrari gains the most time in the slow and medium-speed corners with such high traction and downforce at the exit. The two top teams have completely different philosophies but are extremely close together when it comes to performance on most tracks. Red Bull have been bringing upgrades most weekends, but Ferrari are yet to flex their muscles in the development race.
The Barcelona circuit is expected to favour Ferrari given the slow speed in sector three. That being said, in Friday practice the teams will test new parts and will be able to see if their advantage remains in this department.