Formula One prepares for a new season in Spain

The mild weather and good facilities make Spain a favourite among the leading teams preparing for the new season. Circuits like those of Jerez, Barcelona and Valencia feature particularly prominently, enticing the elite of motor racing away from the drawing board and factory workshops and on to the track.

It is here that new theories and designs are tested, and the teams’ responses to a whole new set of technical rules and specifications are put through their paces. The racing teams that commit their precious new creations – on which they have been working feverishly through the winter – to the open track, will soon get an indication of just how well they have done in preparing their cars for combat.

In some cases it sparks controversy, as in the case of the new Ferrari F2012, which some consider to be ‘ugly’. Presented at the Jerez circuit, it caused the usual admiration associated with the unveiling of a flaming red Ferrari, but also had its critics. Two-times world champion Fernando Alonso, however, was unfazed about the appearance of the car, as long it helps Ferrari compete for the title this season.

While Ferrari continued fine-tuning the aerodynamics, McLaren and Red Bull carried on their last year’s rivalry as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton went head to head in early testing at Jerez. Mercedes, who actually posted the fastest times, were out with their 2011 model, indicating that the new regulations have indeed slowed the cars down. Rosberg was tyre testing ahead of the launch of the new model, making Mercedes one of the last teams to unveil their 2012 car, after earlier presentations by Toro Rosso, McLaren, Red Bull, Sahara Force India, Ferrari, Caterham, Lotus and Williams.

For Williams it is a pivotal year, as they hope to succeed the worst year in the outfit’s history with a return to success. The ingredients, in the form of the classic pairing of Williams design and Renault power, are certainly there. Meanwhile the new Lotus (last season’s Renault team), has received praise for the stylish way in which its designers have interpreted the new technical specifications. Many regard it to be one of the most attractive F1 cars currently on the track, and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen marked his return to the sport with impressive times in testing at both Jerez and Valencia.

The new season sees a number of new faces in the form of young rookie talent. It’s as you were in the top teams, but Lotus features a new-look line-up with Raikkonen and GP2 Series champion Romain Grosjean. Other newcomers are Jean-Éric Vergne at Toro Rosso and Charles Pic at the new Marussia F1 Team, which replaces last year’s Virgin Racing. Last year’s Renault team is now Lotus and last year’s Lotus team is now called Caterham. Spain’s Pedro de la Rosa is one of several drivers making a return to the top flight of motor sport, having secured a place at the Spanish HRT Team.

With the teams beginning to rev up, all eyes will be on the new drivers, the new tyres, the new cars and the first Grand Prix to see how the 2012 season will begin to take shape.

To view a selection of luxury properties close to Valencia’s F1 street circuit click here.

New post on at Monday, 20 February, 2012, 5:34 pm and is archived in Classic cars, News about Spain, Places of Interest, Sport. Subscribe to answers with RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.