Michael Schumacher predicts BAR Honda and Renault will be Ferrari’s main opposition at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, but will Juan-Pablo Montoya’s Williams-BMW make any impression?
Michael Schumacher predicts BAR Honda and Renault will be Ferrari’s main opposition at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, but will Juan-Pablo Montoya’s Williams-BMW make any impression?
After winning the first four races of the season, Ferrari’s six-time world champion says that this weekend’s grand prix could be the toughest yet for him and the Scuderia. Jenson Button’s BAR Honda, which claimed pole position in the San Marino Grand Prix, would also be tough competitor in Barcelona, Schumi says.
“We would like to continue our series of victories at Barcelona,” said Schumacher. “To tell the truth, Spain will be the hardest test so far and, as I said at Imola, I expect BAR-Honda to perform well.”
“They did well during winter testing and in the last round of tests at Barcelona and it wouldn’t surprise me if they showed this form again this weekend,” Schumacher said with reference to BAR-Hondas pace at Mugello last week. “I am tempted to say that they are among the favourites but Renault are up there too.”
The key to success at Barcelona has traditionally been the optimisation of a car’s aerodynamics to suit the circuit’s characteristics. “[The track has] always been considered a good indication of a team’s potential,” Schumacher said.
It was noteworthy that Schumacher didn’t regard Williams-BMW as a possible threat to his streak of grand prix victories.
Montoya admits that his aggressive style of driving doesn’t necessarily suit the characteristics of the Circuit de Catalunya, as a smoother style is favoured.
“Although we regularly run at Barcelona, I wouldn’t consider it one of my favourite circuits as it doesn’t really suit my driving style,” the Colombian said. “However, I seem to have scored consistently at the Spanish Grand Prix, having achieved two second places and one fourth in the past three years with the team.”
Latest forecasts predict rain showers on both Friday and Saturday, though Sunday should remain dry.
Temperatures for all thee days are expected to be cool – potentially playing into the hands of Schumacher and Bridgestone – with a maximum of 17 degrees C on all three days.