F1 | Megaride simulation: Turn 3 makes an impression in Barcelona

The tenth round of the season will be hosted on the Montmelò circuit, in Catalonia, for the Spanish Grand Prix. This track is often used as a yardstick for the overall performance of the single-seaters thanks to the vast typology of curves present.

Also given the presence of two long straights, it is therefore essential to find the correct compromise between aerodynamic load, which is essential to best tackle the different corners, and aerodynamic efficiency, to make full use of the straights.

The characteristic corners of the circuit are certainly curve 3, a very long right-hand corner which puts considerable stress on the front left with high loads, and curve 14, the last corner of the track which last year replaced the chicane and restored the original layout of the track .

• The temperature graph shows the great thermal stress suffered by all the tires due to the very varied configuration of the track. The slightly most stressed tire is the front left, especially in Turn 3, a long right-hand bend which subjects the tire to high loads for the entire time it is cornering, thus generating a notable increase in tread temperature.
• The changes made already last year in turn 14 have reduced the stress in the tires during traction and braking, therefore reducing the importance of the longitudinal component on this track. On the other hand, however, a lot of aerodynamic load is required with aero balance moved to the front to have a more reactive car especially when entering the slower corners.
• For this weekend Pirelli has chosen the hardest set at its disposal: C1-C2-C3, to better manage the high thermal stress and high abrasiveness of the asphalt.

MegaRide graph, Spanish GP

Photo credit: MegaRide

The asphalt of Barcelona is very abrasive, significantly favoring the level of wear which, as shown in the graph, is medium-high. The expected wear of the right rear is slightly less due to the fewer left turns. Particularly critical are turn 3, a high speed curve which requires considerable loads for several seconds, and turn 14 which leads onto the final straight.

The expected atmospheric temperature is also high, further favoring the phenomenon of tire wear. A race involving two pit stops is therefore expected: the strategies and skill of the mechanics in the pits during the stops will be fundamental.