Lusail is known as a high-energy fast and flowing circuit, with sequences of medium and high-speed long-radius corners linked by full-throttle blasts.
As such, it’s 5.4 km layout is perhaps similar to Zandvoort in terms of downforce levels.
But while the emphasis is on a car’s balance and set-up, straight-line speed cannot be neglected as the track’s main straight – and only straight – is the only place that provides drivers with good overtaking opportunities.
In Friday’s qualifying, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari is indicated as having clocked in with the highest top speed.
However, at 341 kph the Monegasque’s advantage is such that he likely benefitted from a special circumstance, such as perhaps a strong tow, that puts him ‘hors concours’.
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On the other hand, Fernando Alonso’s velocity is of interest, not only because we’ve seldom seen an Aston Martin at the top of the speed trap readings, but mainly because we know that Team Silverstone’s AMR23 has excellent drag.
Putting these qualities together yielded the fourth fastest time in qualifying for Alonso and a spot on the second row for the Spaniard for Sunday’s race. There’s one dark horse worth watching this evening.
As usual, Saturday’s sprint event equated to a dress rehearsal for Sunday’s race. The 19-lap battle – interspersed with safety cars – offered just the right set of circumstances for Oscar Piastri to enjoy his first win in F1.
So past performance is not an indication of future results. While McLaren are offering a strong front in Qatar with both its drivers, team papaya will be hard pressed to repeat its sprint triumph on Sunday.
Max Verstappen’s pace at the end of the mad dash tells us that the freshly crowned world champion is the driver most likely to prevail in this evening’s Qatar Grand Prix.
However, should a three-stop race be mandated by the FIA due to tyre concerns, this could significantly impact the race’s complexion, as not all drivers have the adequate inventory of rubber to make a three-stopper work.
Verstappen for instance (and the same goes for McLaren’s drivers) is among those who have no new mediums – the strongest compound overall – at their disposal, contrary to Lewis Hamilton, another dark horse worth watching this evening.
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