The Formula 1 teams are no strangers to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (formerly known as the Circuit de Catalunya); not only have they raced there every year since 1991, they also conduct extensive testing at the venue.

Familiarity does not, however, lessen the challenge for car or driver. Barcelona's mix of high- and low-speed corners, plus its abrasive and rather bumpy track surface, makes for a physically and mechanically taxing race.

Tyre wear is particularly high and the varying winds that cut across the circuit mean an optimum set-up can be hard to find.

For spectators Turn 1 (also known as Elf corner) is among the best places to watch, as it is one of the track's few overtaking opportunities. For the drivers it is the final two turns, known collectively as New Holland, which provide one of the biggest challenges of the season. A fast exit is essential in order to maximise speed down the start-finish straight into Elf.

2018 marks the 28th time Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher has been the most successful driver at the circuit, with a total of six victories. Among the current drivers, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all won there.

Pirelli just need to pick harder compounds to the race, less grip is always better

Pirelli just need to pick harder compounds to the race, less grip is always better

Rain?

wat

force Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull to run only the hard tires, even on qualy

All the cars racing flat out on the same spec doesn't necessarily mean great racing.

"The "fans" need to realise that great racing only comes from variables. IE different cars at different speeds at different times of the race.

Even in the "good old days" you had Ferrari engine power vs Brabham/Williams Chasis or Lotus latest development etc.

All the cars racing flat out on the same spec doesn't necessarily mean great racing.