In the battle between Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren the Italian team still prevails in qualifying, able to place both SF21 cars in front of the Woking cars. Despite this, Esteban Ocon managed to finish between the two SF21 cars. Going specifically, let’s analyze the graph that compares the three sectors of each team. In the initial part, Ferrari and Alpine set the same time. While in the central one the SF21 makes the difference, which is also confirmed in the last part of the track. Charles managed to gain 2 tenths in T2 , also gaining one to Ocon and two to Ricciardo in the final sector.
Good day also for Carlos Sainz, sixth but virtually fifth. Norris was unable to perform properly in Q3, although he looked very much on the ball early in qualifying. Same goes for Alonso. The Spaniard complained that he had too much understeer, especially at the start of his lap.
In view of the race, it must be recorded that no driver has tried to qualify with the Medium. With full tanks, in order to lengthen the first stint as much as possible, it will be essential to manage the left front Soft tire, definitely the most stressed on this track. In the race there are two possible strategies. The one with two stops, Soft – Medium – Soft, and the one with only one visit to the pits by mounting the Hard. The undercut should be quite powerful on the Catalan track, so we could see several overtaking done with this method too.
Finally, as usual, let’s take a look at what is the evolution of gaps per kilometer. The W12 still reigns, followed immediately by the RB16B. In the central group, Ferrari is still taking the pole of “the rest”, with McLaren and Alpine following. The French team is improving quickly overtaking the Faenza team , which is struggling today with both drivers. This morning he could see understeer enough for Alpha Tauri of Gasly in four and thirteen curve. Complication that, having such a compact grid, has relegated them to the rear.
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