F1 tests at the Circuit de Catalunya

by David | Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 returns to the Circuit de Catalunya this week, as the drivers conduct their final series of test drives before the start of the season in Melbourne on March 29th.

The teams will be at the Montmelo circuit between March 9th and 12th, although they will be one team down. So far Honda has withdrawn due to the collapse in the car industry, although the team has been resurrected as Brawn GP, and Renault’s major sponsor, ING, has decided not to sponsor the team after the end of this season.

One of the major changes this year will be the re-introduction of slick tyres into F1. Slicks have no tread and therefore benefit from greater grip due to the maxim surface area of rubber being in contact with the road – unless it rains, in which case they offer no grip at all.

There are other aerodynamic differences with the cars of 2008, with all changes devised to help make the sport more competitive by allowing drivers better opportunities to overtake. Another big change is that engines must now be used for three races before being changed.

The 2009 Spanish Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday May 10th.