2008 Spanish GP Preview
02:17 pm
After three weeks, Formula One resumes this weekend in Barcelona. A popular event with fans thanks to the exploits of native Fernando Alonso, the Renault team will be desperately after a competitive result after a disappointing start to the season.
The race is of utmost importance to Super Aguri, who desperately need a good result.. The cash strapped Japanese team face an uncertain future after the collapse of negotiations with the Magma group of investors. Aguri Suzuki has mustered the finances needed to compete this weekend, however unless an investor is soon found it's highly unlikely that the team will see out the season.
At the other end of the grid Lewis Hamilton must get his season back on track after a series of mistakes ruining his chances in Bahrain. His response in Barcelona will be key if he is to be a serious title contender in 2008. Kovalainen in the sister McLaren has proven himself more than capable of running at the front, adding to the pressure the young Englishman faces as he leads the McLaren team.
The first European event of the season always brings with it a host of innovations, this year being no exception. The new nose design by Ferrari will no doubt be watched closely by the opposition with as Raikkonen and Massa look to continue the Scuderia's recent run of results.
Eyes too will be cast over the Honda, after the Brackley based outfit incorporated significant aerodynamic developments..
Thus far both Button and Barricchello have been more competitive than their 2007 campaign, though as Rubinho enters his record equaling 256th race the team still have a gap to bridge to reach the top teams. Realistically the best they can hope from the weekend is points, and to be competitive with Williams and Toyota in the chasing pack behind the leaders.
In Bahrain BMW firmly established themselves as one of the leading teams. Kubica's pole position was the first for the team, and should fill them with confidence going forward. But the former Sauber outfit needs to develop their car if they are to stay in touch, Ron Dennis dismissing their challenge on the premise they do not have the resources to maintain the rate of development of McLaren and Ferrari.
If that is true or not will only come with time, though few would argue that the teams first ever Grand Prix win is only a matter of time. Kubica has proved that, like Hamilton, Rosberg and Kovalainen, he too is a name for the future. Nick Heidfeld in the other BMW has quietly strung together some fine results, the German currently lying in second in the World Drivers’ Championship.
Toyota too has been cause for surprise. With their less than satisfactory results in '06 and '07 expectations were not high; however Jarno Trulli has driven well, ably assisted by Timo Glock, the team sitting in amongst the front runners in the Constructors title. It is crucial the Japanese manufacturer keeps up the pace, else face a future cast in shadows.
Another team with their future under a cloud is Torro Rosso. While most have been concentrating on Super Aguri we must not forget that Toro Rosso too needs to find a backer after Red Bull announced its intention to cut back involvement in the sport to just one team. The decision was triggered by rising costs and the amendment to the customer cars situation. It no longer makes sense for Red Bull to run two teams; however they face the same hurdles as Super Aguri as prospective buyers are faced with a team which has not built its own cars in several years.
On benefit over Super Aguri though is the teams eligibility for financial bonuses as outlined by the Concorde Agreement. Gerhard Berger is keen to find a suitable investment, and while Red Bull have committed to the team until this happens they will not bank role the outfit indefinitely.
As a result the coming races are crucial for Toro Rosso, starting in Spain. It will be the last race with their interim car, unless they are unable to repair the 2008 car after Bourdais crashed heavily during testing last week. It would be a setback for the team, who thus far have continued to impress, their drivers being linked to larger teams already.
The validity of these rumors is unclear, just as those surrounding Fernando Alonso are. Renault has not enjoyed a particularly good season, Bob Bell stating that the car is missing aero, mechanical grip and power. In essence the car is uncompetitive, and it's likely to remains so, as it's been demonstrated in the past that no matter what the budget it is exceedingly difficult to make notably progress during the season.
The team would be wise in concentrating their efforts on the 2009 car, however cannot afford to allow performances to suffer too much as Alonso is believed to have performance and result related clauses in his contract which may well see the Spaniard leave the team at the end of the season.
One thing is certain however, with the development and testing that has been undertaken by all the teams it will be like the first event of the season again, as the form book is thrown out the window. Teams now begin it add the development parts to their cars as the race moves into the design offices as well as the race track. Up to now teams have run much the same car they began the season with in the opening three fly away races, it is now that their hard work over the last two months will become evident. Some will have gained while others lost, the extent of which could well change the course of the championship.
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