Each race that passes is increasing the pressure on McLaren, because it
appeared from practice that they had not made any obvious advances from
Bahrain. They are a team with a proud 50-year history, but Formula One is
unforgiving and you tend to be judged almost solely on your last season or
your last race. That is the extent of your legacy. In many ways McLaren are
a remarkable team, but it looks at the moment that they are still out of
contention and that they face a difficult remainder of the season to unleash
their car’s potential.
4. Three crucial areas on track
The fast Turn Three, which follows two medium-speed corners, could be
critical. Alonso’s Ferrari looked especially effective there yesterday.
The DRS zones at Turn Nine and on the back straight should both produce some
exciting passing moves.
In the final sequence of low-speed corners – ’Mickey Mouse corners’, as we
drivers like to say – McLaren could be at a disadvantage, given how they
have struggled with traction this season.
Where the DRS zones are located The detection point for the first DRS zone is
positioned just before the start of entry of Turn Nine, with the activation
area following on the back straight until the braking zone for Turn 10.
Drivers will have a second opportunity on the start-finish straight, with
the detection marker placed alongside the entry to the pit lane.
Race times and television details
Qualifying and race timings Saturday, noon BST – live on BBC1 and Sky Sports
F1.
Sunday, 1pm BST – live on BBC1 and Sky Sports F1.
Weather
Today Sunny, max 18C
Tomorrow Sunny, some cloud, max 17C