Why Madring’s banked Turn 12 could be crucial in the F1 Spanish GP

Madring's banked Turn 12 at the newly constructed Formula 1 circuit near IFEMA complex has garnered significant attention in the racing community. This 13.5-degree banking corner, or La Monumental, presents a unique challenge for the tires due to its continuous load for an extended period, as opposed to other high-banked corners like Zandvoort's Arie Luyendyk corner.

Pirelli's chief engineer, Simone Berra, explains that while the banking itself isn't more severe than other corners, the longer duration under high load makes it the toughest corner on the F1 calendar for the tires. The real-world data seems to align with Pirelli's simulations, indicating no immediate safety concerns with the current measures in place.

The complexity of the corner, with its vertical elevation changes, led to varying expectations among teams regarding the ideal driving strategy. While some anticipated a need to lift off the throttle, others believed full throttle would suffice. Data from the second free practice session, including the fastest drivers' inputs, confirms that lifting off the throttle by around 30-40% during the initial part of the turn is necessary.

This approach allows drivers to maintain control while still pushing the limits, ultimately contributing to the challenge and potential for improved lap times at this crucial corner.