Monday, May 2, 2016

Formula 1 Testing, Barcelona, 2016

Circuit de Catalunya, March 2016.  The weekend began with a quick flight from Nice to Barcelona, and upon landing, we discovered that we were in the company of Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat.  He, of course, was in business class.

Overall, good weather, although there was a pretty cool wind up in the hills behind Barcelona.  This year, since rain never threatened, we spent four full days at the track and skipped the usual Barcelona sightseeing.  All except for seeing the sights inside our favorite restaurant, El Mussol!

The great thing about testing is that there are very few people at the track compared to the actual race weekend.  Almost everything is easily accessible (if you're willing to walk), it's an opportunity to watch from practically everywhere and there's plenty of action on-track.

Morning at the circuit:


Check out Red Bull's newest paint scheme on "smiley" Daniel Ricciardo's car:


Final turn and onto the main straight:


Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari:


But Kimi's Ferrari broke down.  Oh, the secrecy!


Red Bull pit stop:


View from the circuit's clubhouse...this is a treat.  Only members are allowed during the race: