Formula 1: European Grand Prix ‘hot’

Formula 1 will get hotter in the European Grand Prix at Valencia with hot weather conditions and ‘softer’ and ‘medium’ tyres from Pirelli.

The circuit at Valencia has a reputation of hosting boring Formula 1 races but with the change in weather and tyres, the circuit will be promising this year.

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton is leading the drivers standing with 88 points ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso by two points. However, Red Bull Racing-Renault is way ahead at the top in the constructors standings at 164 points, with a clear 31 points ahead of McLaren-Mercedes.

The earlier race at Montreal showed that it is much more than just the fast cars but a healthy combination of circuit-specific strategy and intelligent drivers. The tyres have always played a big role in the races, with wrong choice of tyres resulting in loss of podium and points.

Tyre management value was realized at Montreal, where Alonso and Vettel missed the podium because their tyres did not last due to the weather conditions and poor choices. However, the fact that good drivers with decently capable cars still rule the world’s fastest racing competition.

Fernando Alonso, who did not have the fastest car the entire season, is the best example and is still placed second in the drivers standings just two points behind leader Lewis Hamilton. This goes on to show that good race strategies and consistency is the key to stay ahead of the competition.

The Valencia circuit with hot weather conditions will be tough on the tyres and will be quite influenced by the appropriate tyre management strategy.

Related:
Formula 1: Ferrari believes Alonso and Vettel can be team-mates
McLaren boss Whitmarsh unhappy with team’s mistakes
Mark Webber: ‘Happy at Red Bull’

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