New wings present a challenge for Liam Lawson as F1 hits Spain

RNZ News

2 days ago

RB's New Zealand driver Liam Lawson.
Photo:
GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP
Analysis:
Back to a more traditional track this weekend and Racing Bulls need to show that they remain competitive.
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson
picked up his first points of the Formula 1 season
with his eighth place finish at Monaco on Monday.
However, unlike the principality the Spanish Grand Prix is on a circuit that is fast with some high speed corners.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is known for being a good test for a car's aerodynamics.
That should help Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen, while the McLarens of championship leader Oscar Piastri and second placed Lando Norris could get a real test.
The question for Lawson is how competitive will the Racing Bulls be?
He and team-mate Isack Hadjar were both able to qualify in the top ten in Monaco last weekend and therefore could control their own destiny as they both scored points in what was the team's best result this year.
Racing Bulls racing director Alan Permane admits there will be challenges in Spain.
"It is a track that the teams and drivers know well and one that places a high demand on aerodynamic efficiency," Permane said.
"The high-speed nature of the track and the expected high ambient and track temperatures give the tyres a real workout and Pirelli will bring their hardest 3 compounds.
"The recent changes to the track layout have made overtaking easier and this will open up strategic options for Sunday. Barcelona has one of the longest runs down to turn 1 of the season and therefore it's essential to make a good start to the 66 racing laps on Sunday afternoon."
Liam Lawson.
Photo:
photosport
The Spanish Grand Prix also marks the introduction of a FIA technical directive aimed at reducing front wing flexibility from 15mm to 10mm.
A more flexible front wing allows for a trade-off between down force and drag at different speeds.
The change means teams are likely to try different wing options and it could have a major bearing for some when it comes to qualifying.
Despite all of that Lawson has his sights set on scoring points again.
"It feels good to be rounding out the triple header in Barcelona. It's a track we've tested a lot over the years, so feels very familiar to all the teams and drivers.
"Normally it's quite a close race, but with some changes in the regulations to adapt to, we're set for an interesting weekend.
"We're bouncing off a great weekend in Monaco for the team, so are ready to set our sights on scoring points again in Barcelona."
McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari are the obvious front running teams while Racing Bulls is in a mid-table fight.
Williams are fifth in the constructors' championship with 54 points, Haas has 26, Racing Bulls 22 and Aston Martin 14.
Making the top ten in qualifying will again be the minimum of Lawson and Racing Bulls to give themselves another chance of points.