Spanish GP Preview

This weekend we visit the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona for the start of F1’s European season. Since the Bahrain GP, teams have had time to work on upgrades which could through early season form off kilter.

F1 has been racing in Barcelona since 1991, enough time to build some interesting trends despite the evolving nature of the sport.

Value of pole position
The Catalunya circuit is not renowned for overtaking and that has fed into the results. In 2011, Sebastian Vettel was the first driver to win the race not started from pole since Mika Häkkinen in 2000. Backing the pole sitter after qualifying is not a bad strategy. Pastor Maldonado secured his shock win last season from pole-position after Lewis Hamilton was demoted from the front of the grid.
Sebastian Vettel hat-trick (pole-win-fastest lap) is 8/1 (Skybet)

Driver to watch
Historically the Spanish GP is one of Mark Webber’s best circuit. Over the last six years he has finished higher in Barcelona than his overall season’s average.
Top 6 Finish: Mark Webber 12/1 (Paddy Power)

Retirement Rate – Above Average
The Spanish GP can be attritional, with one of the highest retirement rates on the F1 calendar. Over the last five years, only Australia has had fewer finishers on average. 
Under 19.5 classified finishers 8/13 (Paddy Power)