Preview – 2018 Formula 1 Emirates Spanish Grand Prix

8 May 2018

After a very successful race at the 2018 FIA Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc finished sixth, and Marcus Ericsson in eleventh, the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team is heading to Spain with a fresh boost of motivation and confidence. The team will also be celebrating a special anniversary on Sunday 13^th May – marking Alfa Romeo’s first Formula 1 victory in 1950 at Silverstone with Nino Farina in the Alfa Romeo 158.

Marcus Ericsson (car number 9):
“Off to our first European race this season – round five, in Barcelona. It almost feels like my home track, as it is the one I have probably driven the most in Formula 1 so far and it is a circuit that I really enjoy going back to. I have always been strong there, with a pole position in GP2, and some good results in Formula 1. It has a good mix of all different types of corners, and a very technical last sector that can make or break a lap in qualifying, as well as race stints. There are usually quite a lot of Swedish fans who come to support, which makes it even more special for me, and gives me an extra boost to have a good weekend. I can’t wait to get out to Barcelona.”

Charles Leclerc (car number 16):
“I am really pleased with what we were able to achieve during the last race weekend in Baku, and go into the next round feeling positive. I have good memories of Barcelona from the past, and it is interesting to return to a track where we did the winter test with the C37. I like the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Tyre management will be a key factor, as the degradation is quite high on this track. Overall it is a special track, as it is very technical and has every type of corner. I look forward to getting back in the car.”

Track facts:
The track in Barcelona is one of the most complete for defining the car, as it features a mix of all kinds of corners. The first two sectors feature medium and high-speed corners, whereas the third sector is dominated by a technical sequence of lower speed corners, hence the set-up is always a compromise. Downforce, a well-balanced car, as well as traction, are the main factors for a good lap time.

Tyre choices:

Driver information: