Formula 1 is set for a new chapter as the Madrid Circuit (Madring) hosts the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend. But the brand-new street track has already earned an ominous nickname: a "car killer".
The concern is not unfounded. During a two-day Formula 3 test at the end of August, the Madring triggered a total of 19 red flags due to a string of incidents. Williams team principal James Vowles did not mince words.
"In the Formula 3 test there were 19 red flags and three broken chassis, broken suspensions," Vowles told Spanish media. "OK, they're Formula 3 drivers, but it's a track that kills cars."
Carlos Sainz, now racing for Williams, has first-hand experience of the Madring. He was the first driver to sample the track in a road car back in May, and has since been putting in simulator work to prepare for his home race.
"I had my first proper laps in the simulator with the car [in August] and I must say it's a hell of a challenging track," Sainz told F1's official website. "It's one of the most challenging tracks I've ever done in a simulator and for a driver it's going to be tough. I think it has a mix of Jeddah and Baku [characteristics], which are probably the two most challenging tracks for a driver – and a bit of Singapore."
One of the most anticipated sections is La Monumental, a corner with a 24-per-cent gradient. Sainz admits it is trickier than expected. "It is probably more challenging than I thought," he added. "I thought it would be a flat out, easy flat-out corner and just like an acceleration corner. It's turned out to be much more challenging, at least in the simulator in a good way. With all that banking, all that control of the car through there, it will be a big challenge."
Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto echoed the sentiment, calling the track "dangerous" after the Italian Grand Prix. "It looks like a very interesting track, dangerous track, but at the same time very challenging and it's nice to race in a new track like that," said the Brazilian.
However, not everyone shares the alarm. Sergio Perez of Cadillac played down the concerns, not expecting Madrid to be "any more dangerous than Jeddah". As the Madring makes its F1 debut, it is set to be a true test of skill and nerve for the entire grid.
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