All the Sainz for Mission 33 for Alonso - 2023 Spanish GP Preview

The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona has 14 corners. The circuit will also host it's 33rd race this weekend - the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.

Are all the signs hinting towards a home win for the ever-popular Fernando Alonso? Btw, he did miss out on a win in Monaco last week, as the data now confirms.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru aka Sundaram and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming 2023 Spanish Grand Prix. The key buzz will be around Fernando Alonso, obviously, but has the buzz around Carlos Sainz faded a wee bit after he joined Ferrari?

Also, full focus on upgrades at a circuit that's best-suited to test them. Will the change in layout aid better racing or will it be another factor for all to blame in case the race is a snoozefest? Also, look out for tyre management - the heat and the circuit are tyre busters! It's no surprise that Pirelli has brought their hardest compounds for this race. And of course, that's another blame factor, should we need it! 😉

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 26)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

**Pre-Race Analysis:**

* The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona will host its 33rd race this weekend, the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.
* Attention will be on Fernando Alonso, the beloved Spanish driver, but has the buzz around Carlos Sainz faded after joining Ferrari?
* Teams will focus on upgrades at a circuit best suited for testing them.
* The change in layout aims to improve racing, but it could also become a scapegoat if the race is uneventful.
* Tire management is crucial, as the heat and circuit are tough on tires. Pirelli has brought their hardest compounds for this race.

**Race Expectations and Controversies:**

* The Inside Line F1 podcast crew discusses their excitement for the upcoming race and shares their thoughts on various aspects.
* They debate whether the Spanish Grand Prix is a traditional European race or if Imola should hold that title.
* The hosts anticipate upgrades from various teams, especially Mercedes, and speculate on potential excuses they might offer if the upgrades don't perform as expected.
* They discuss the possibility of a snooze fest and consider what factors could be blamed, such as the tires, cars, or circuit configuration.

**Defining a Good Race:**

* The hosts engage in a thought-provoking discussion about what constitutes a good Formula One race.
* They explore different perspectives, emphasizing the importance of exciting battles, strategic masterclasses, and unpredictable outcomes.

**Predictions:**

* The hosts make their bold predictions for the Spanish Grand Prix:
* Soumil Arora: Fernando Alonso to win, inspired by his home crowd and the improving Aston Martin.
* Kunal Shah: A wet race could favor Fernando Alonso, given his exceptional skills in wet conditions.
* Sundaram: The leader of FP2 will likely take pole position, which is a strong indicator of winning the race. **Inside Line F1 Podcast: Preview of the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix**

**Introduction:**

* The Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, hosting its 33rd race this weekend, sets the stage for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.
* Excitement surrounds the potential for a home win for Fernando Alonso, following his near-miss in Monaco.

**Focus on Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz:**

* Fernando Alonso's popularity and home advantage generate anticipation for a strong performance.
* Carlos Sainz's buzz may have diminished slightly since joining Ferrari.

**Circuit Upgrades and Layout Changes:**

* Teams bring upgrades to the circuit, providing an opportunity to test their effectiveness.
* Layout changes aim to improve racing, but could potentially lead to criticism if the race lacks excitement.

**Tire Management and Pirelli's Compound Selection:**

* Tire management is crucial due to the heat and circuit characteristics.
* Pirelli brings their hardest compounds to address the demanding conditions.

**Conclusion:**

* The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix promises intrigue with Alonso's home advantage, upgraded cars, and the challenge of managing tires on a demanding circuit.