P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RB racing director Alan Permane is not expecting qualifying in Saudi Arabia to be as close as it was last weekend at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
RB racing director Alan Permane believes that qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend will not be as close as in Bahrain, as the team has opted for a more conservative approach. Qualifying for the first race of 2024 in Bahrain saw the entire field separated by just one second in Q1, benefiting from substantial data gathered during pre-season testing at the same circuit. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, hosting the Saudi Arabian GP, offers a stark contrast with its fast, flowing street layout that rewards drivers pushing to the limit, likely resulting in a more spread-out field during Friday’s qualifying session. Permane emphasized the importance of balancing qualifying performance without compromising race reliability, as RB does not plan to take high risks with setup choices. The team’s focus is on maintaining competitiveness throughout the race weekend, acknowledging the unique challenges and strategies required for each circuit on the F1 calendar.
