The Spanish Grand Prix has undergone a transformation in recent years, moving away from its reputation of boring races, albeit only slightly.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a fixture since 1991, but the reduction in pre-season testing has left teams with less data on tire usage.
A new technical directive targeting aero-elastic front wings has introduced changes, affecting strategy and aiming to improve car balance mid-corner.
Despite higher cornering loads, qualifying times have not seen a significant improvement, leading to a general sense of indifference in the paddock.
The demanding nature of the track, with its rough surface and varied cornering speeds, puts a strain on tires, likely leading to a two-stop strategy for the race.
Teams are struggling to find the right balance between protecting rear tires and managing degradation on both axles, complicating their decision-making process.
