Insights From the Friday Practice at 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
Key Highlights
In the Friday practice for the Spanish Grand Prix 2023, teams took an unconventional step by testing two additional sets of C1 tyres, outfitted with a new construction. This test is in preparation for its inclusion across the entire Pirelli P Zero range, with the official launch set for the forthcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Teams immediately got to work on the prototype tyres during the initial runs in FP1, later transitioning to the P Zero Yellow medium and P Zero Red soft.
Performance Overview
On the Softs, Red Bull's pair - Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez - showed dominant form in the first session. Verstappen clocked an impressive 1m 14.606s, closely followed by Perez with 1m15.374s. Esteban Ocon of Alpine also stood out, securing third place with a time of 1m15.418s.
Verstappen further demonstrated his prowess in FP2, improving on his morning time by nearly seven-tenths, clocking an unbeatable 1m13.907s. Spanish hometown hero, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, was the second-fastest with 1m14.077s, while Nico Hulkenberg from Haas clinched the third spot with a time of 1m14.177s.
Throughout the session, only Alpine drivers experimented with the P Zero White hard during their first run. The remaining teams persisted with the prototype tyre, Medium and Soft.
Noteworthy Stats
Max Verstappen, in FP2, registered the best time on the test C1. When it comes to the Grand Prix's designated C1, only Alpine opted to use it, with Esteban Ocon clocking a commendable 1m15.999s. Verstappen again stole the show on the Mediums with a swift 1m14.968s.
It's worth noting that the C3 compound, the softest available here, did exhibit some graining, especially on the outside edge.
Weather Conditions
As the day progressed, clouds slowly converged over the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, reducing track temperature towards the end of the second free practice session. A drop from a maximum of 45.1°C in FP1 to 38.1°C in FP2 was recorded. The day's air temperature fluctuated between 23 and 27°C.
A Comparative Look
Compared to 2022, lap times have significantly improved due to faster cars and the removal of the final chicane. Last year, the best FP2 time on Softs, clocked by Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari, was 1m.19.670s - a whole 5.7s slower than today's best.
Words From The Pitlane
Simone Berra, the Chief Engineer of Pirelli, offered insights about today's happenings, acknowledging the packed day at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit.
According to Berra, the new C1 construction aligned with predictions regarding its performance, providing similar outcomes compared to the current model. Berra noted that some teams opted for longer runs on the Hard compound, to collect data for Sunday’s race, while only one team used the white-banded tyre.
Berra also mentioned that today's quickest lap time is nearly on par with the simulations for the pole position. Despite some uncertainties concerning each team's strategies, the times are incredibly close, with a mere second separating seventeen drivers in FP2.
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