Venue: Valencia Street Circuit, Spain
Laps: 57
Race start: 2000 HRS SIN
The European Grand Prix was moved here in 2008, but the race was
a dour affair. There is little in the way of scenery and overtaking
is nigh-on impossible on the dusty track. Expect maximum downforce
settings and Bridgestone will supply the soft and super-soft
tyres.
Home fans will be boosted by the repeal of Renault's one-race
ban from Hungary, which will allow Fernando Alonso to race in front
of his home crowd again. His race ended on lap 1 last year however.
His new teammate, Romain Grosjean, is a graduate from the GP2
series and the marque's first French racer since 1985. He takes
Nelsinho Piquet's spot after the latter was fired
unceremoniously.
Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer steps into Felipe Massa's seat
while the Brazilian recuperates at home, targetting a return at the
Brazilian Grand Prix. He is the first Italian to drive for the team
in 15 years and makes his debut after clocking 150,000 miles over a
decade in that role. Michael Schumacher will be present at the race
in his role as the team's consultant.