Spanish GP 2022: An overview of the changes made in terms of the track layout in Barcelona

Spanish GP 2022

There have been numerous changes made to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix race weekend. What effect will they have on track?

In recent years, there have been many calls from the fans for changes to the track, as many feel that the track is a bit dull. Aside from this year’s and the last year’s changes, it is also possible that the chicane in the final sector will be removed, improving the flow of the track.

The track had already gone through a major change ahead of the 2021 edition, where the Turn 10/11 sequence was altered significantly, in a bid to improve safety. Turn 10 was ‘turned’ into a longer and more flowing left-hander, feeding directly into Turn 11. This change made it more similar to the original design of the track, instead of the one that was used starting from 2004. This year there will be a host of changes to the track, for reasons related to driver safety, in addition to minor changes intended to improve the venue.

FS Video

New bits and pieces around the track from the Event Notes pic.twitter.com/KmKQqOhpjo
— The Artist Formerly Known As EngineMode11 (@EngineMode11) May 19, 2022

The pit wall debris fencing has been replaced, in a bid to improve safety for people in its immediate vicinity. The run-off area in Turn 4, the site of the infamous Rosberg-Hamilton crash in 2016 (which meant Max Verstappen would take a debut victory) has been extended. The garage doors on the paddock have been widened and mechanized.

The astroturf has been removed from turns 14 and 15, a new curb has been added to turn 3, and a bollard has replaced the apex combination element at turn 14. Aside from these, the tire barriers have been covered with a conveyor belt to prevent them from dispersing in the event of a crash. This is in addition to more minor changes such as improved telecommunication facilities on the paddock.

Also Read: Spanish Grand Prix: Barcelona all set for sunny conditions throughout the weekend, almost no chances of rain

A small recap and build-up

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc — Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton took pole position on the last race weekend in Spain and won the race despite being overtaken by Max Verstappen on the start of the race. From the current flow of the championship, Lewis is unlikely to repeat that feat, unless Mercedes improve drastically with their upcoming upgrades.

Red Bull and Ferrari are both said to be bringing in updates to their car, with the British team targeting a weight reduction and the prancing horses of Ferrari set to bring their first major upgrades of the season, the highlight of which is a new floor. This makes for a rather unpredictable weekend, especially when you throw Mercedes into the mix, who are also said to be bringing upgrades.

Max Verstappen will be targeting his first victory in Spain since his 2016 Red Bull debut, while championship leader Charles Leclerc would hope for a change in fortune and to extend his lead. Carlos Sainz, who has NEVER finished outside the points in Spain, would likely be desperate in his search for his first victory, especially with this being his home race, and the first time he will be here with a title-competitive car.

Also Read: “At the moment it seems that Red Bull has the upper hand in the races,” Charles Leclerc on his title feud with Max Verstappen

Also Read: Spanish GP 2022: Carlos Sainz’s impeccable record in Barcelona to be tested again