Russell warns of rapid tyre wear risk at Madrid track — Sky Sports News
Mercedes driver George Russell said after Friday practice for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid that there are questions over tyre degradation at the new Madring circuit. According to him, during the first practice session teams even suggested that a six-stop race could be the fastest strategy.
As Sky Sports News reports, the fast corners of the new Madrid circuit place significant stress on the tyres. A particular issue is Turn 12, La Monumental, with a 13.5-degree banking angle, which drivers take at high speed.
Mercedes concerns
Russell topped the first practice session, while his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in the second session. The Briton expects tyre degradation to decrease by Sunday’s race, but described La Monumental as a serious test for all participants.
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Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord said that high tyre temperatures at the Madrid track and the sequence of corners without long straights could create problems during the race. According to him, the rubber heats up significantly and has virtually no opportunity to cool down. Lord added that the decisive factor would be the tyres’ ability to withstand sequences of corners, although the smooth surface could reduce the expected wear.
The importance of qualifying
Antonelli’s closest pursuers in the second practice session were Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who were less than two tenths of a second behind him. Leclerc called the day interesting and noted that the new track is challenging for all teams.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur stressed that overtaking at Madring would be extremely difficult, so the starting position would be particularly important. He said Ferrari need to focus more on single-lap speed, although the pace over long runs met expectations. Spanish Grand Prix qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, with the race on Sunday.
