4 May: Spanish Grand Prix Preview - Red Bull Racing
David Coulthard: "Although
this is the circuit we are all supposed to know best because of its popularity for winter testing, I reckon this could be an
interesting weekend. The track is now much smoother and less abrasive than it used to be, but it is still going to be very hard on
tyres, especially the fronts and whoever can get their car running with a nice aero balance that's kind to the tyres is going to
have a good race. Ideally, you want a touch of understeer to look after the tyres, but you also need a stiff enough front end to
change direction quickly at the first two turns. With high speed corners leading onto long straights, overtaking is always
difficult, which means a good grid position will be important. Although people have taken to describing me as a "veteran,"
it doesn't seem that long ago that I made my F1 debut at this track, back in 1994."
Tonio Liuzzi: "Having
completed my first ever F1 race in Imola, I am really looking forward to this weekend, especially as I feel we can be more
competitive in Barcelona where the track characteristics should suit our car better. Setting up the car is an interesting challenge
here, as you need enough downforce for the high speed corners, without ending up with too much drag down the straights. Everyone
should be running a similar pace, so a bit of aggressive driving could make all the difference on Sunday afternoon."
Christian
Horner, Sporting Director: "Following a promising test in Jerez last week, where both David and Tonio conducted valuable
development work, our target for this race will be to achieve points again. Inevitably the margins between the teams will be very
close due to the fact that this is a circuit where all teams test extensively. Both David and Tonio have performed well here
previously and we look forward to the weekend."
Gunther Steiner, Technical Director: "During last week's
test at Jerez, we concentrated mainly on aerodynamics as this is a key factor at the Catalunya circuit. Getting it right is a
challenge and the circuit provides an accurate reflection of a car's efficiency through the many high speed corners. The test helped
us define a good aero package, which should be invaluable on a track where mechanical set-up is less important than it was at Imola
a fort the track surface at Barcelona was very abrasive, but it is less so now, following resurfacing over the winter. It will be
interesting to see what effect this has on tyre wear."
Simon Corbyn, Head of Race Engineering, Cosworth: "Naturally
Cosworth is disappointed by the decision not to continue our relationship with Red Bull into 2006. Everyone at Cosworth is proud of
what we have achieved so far this season and this decision does not change our objective of delivering competitive and reliable
engines for 2005. The next step in race performance will be introduced at Barcelona GP where fresh engines are to be installed
following successful completion of both engines at Imola GP."
