Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s time again, let’s get in “Grand Prix state of mind”, the Spanish GP is coming up this weekend.

The most interesting news from the last 3 weeks are the never-ending tale of the driver’s market. Since HAM has not-resigned for Mercedes all kinds of speculation is going around. The latest, if you believe it, is that the current Champion is going to sign for Ferrari, a rumor that keeps growing because RAI’s contract runs out this season. New boss Arrivabene has said he likes Williams star driver BOT, meanwhile he keeps postponing to make a decision on Kimi’s to keep him motivated, “he drives better that way” he says. One of our members with connections at the highest level has the explanation for all this contract delays: HAM wants number 1 status within Mercedes, the same benefit VET signed with at Ferrari and ALO at McLaren.

If he leaves Mercedes it’s said that RIC is on top of their wish list now that Red Bull owner Dietrich Matestichz is publicly trying to sell his teams: Red Bull to Audi and Toro Rosso to Renault.

Going back to racing, we want to see all the developments the teams will bring after 3 weeks of hard work -and the data collected from 4 races. Niki Lauda admits the Mercedes engines are now equal  to Ferrari in power output and if they still have a better chassis (traction out of corners and braking stability) the italians have a clear edge on the germans of tyre performance, specifically on the softer compounds. McLaren has announced with great fanfare they have a new...paint livery, and not much word about other real and much needed improvements. Intriguing to see that for the third year they still don’t have a title sponsor.

Last year Spanish GP CFA winner was Maria Elisa with 4 triples for 12 points, our average was 10 points- same as the black horse. Given Barcelona’s circuit reputation for predictable races I think this year we will need a lot more points to score a winner.

See you manaña

Cheers

Cato