BARCELONA REVIEW BY BEN STEVENS
While FP1 suggested Mercedes had found
a truckload of time, Ferrari brought them
back into range in the second session, and
the eventual four-tenths difference seems
about right. Watching from the grandstands
overlooking sector three, Mercedes looked
perhaps the tiniest-bit happier getting its rear
around the corners, and both drivers clearly
had a ton of confidence throwing their car
into the final chicane and turn 16. That said,
if qualy is to be more of the same, perhaps
Ferrari’s superior race pace will continue as
well.
A few quick hits:
• Renault looked very promising with Nico
Hulkenberg and Jo Palmer in P7 and 8 (!)
respectively – don’t get too excited though, as
sitting across from him in the post-session
interview, Hulkenberg remains clearly
unconvinced.
• Love or hate Max Verstappen, his fans are
always great.
• Some very cool artwork was on display at
the paddock entrance, including a portrait
of Alonso using Rubik’s cubes – if only
solving Honda’s engine woes were that easy.
• It may not have been the most
revolutionary start to the European season,
but all signs point to plenty of excitement
on Saturday. Here’s hoping for a day
worthy of the beautiful Catalan sunshine.