New chicane supposed to provoke mistakes - Glock

The 4.655-kilometre 'Circuit de Catalunya' features a new chicane ahead of the final turn, this year. BMW Sauber F1 Team test driver Timo Glock explains the background to this modification and reveals details regarding the ideal setup for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Until now, the 'Circuit de Catalunya' has been one of the high-speed circuits on the Formula One calendar, with overtaking manoeuvres having been rare. The new chicane in the final third of the lap, however, is supposed to change all that. "Obviously, it slightly spoils the characteristics of the Spanish GP venue, which has previously been a very fast circuit," says Glock. "But the chicane before the final turn will hopefully see mistakes and out-braking manoeuvres which will allowing for overtaking on the long straight that follows. We've got to wait and see if this will work as planned. Personally, I doubt it will, but it's always difficult to make such an assessment from the outside."

When it comes to commenting on the setup of the BMW Sauber F1.07, however, the 25-year old doesn't have any problems, after all, he has already contested races at Barcelona. "Obviously, the aero set-up must be as perfect as possible as Barcelona is an extremely fast circuit," reveals Timo. "However, there are a number of tight corners, such as the hairpin and the slow chicane. For this mix of slow corners and fast bends, a perfect aero balance is a must. Therefore, we must find a well-balanced compromise."