Audi heading to Barcelona
The Monaco GP left several regrets for Audi. The four-ring brand had the opportunity to improve its standing on a circuit that hid the engine shortcomings of the R26 project, but problems with Gabriel Bortoleto’s car and a penalty inflicted on Nico Hülkenberg for contact with Carlos Sainz ruined the plans of Mattia Binotto’s team.
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The German manufacturer is now preparing for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which represents a very different challenge compared to the narrow streets of the Principality, thanks to varied corners and the presence of a very long straight. An ideal test bench to evaluate the level of competitiveness achieved by the team three months after its F1 debut under this name.
Hülkenberg’s words
“Monaco ended in a rather frustrating way, but it’s now behind us and we’re getting ready for a new race week. There were still positive aspects to take from last weekend: our pace was encouraging and that’s something we want to carry forward. Barcelona represents a very different challenge compared to Monaco and is always a good test for the overall package. We have made steps in the right direction, so we hope to be able to fully exploit the car’s potential,” commented Hülkenberg.
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Bortoleto’s words
“We showed some encouraging signs in terms of performance in Monaco,” Bortoleto added. “Every race is an opportunity to learn more and continue to improve, and that’s what we’re focusing on ahead of Barcelona. It’s a circuit where I’ve spent a lot of time over the years, in almost every series I’ve competed in, and where teams have no surprises, thanks to all the tests we’ve already carried out there. We need to focus on a smooth weekend, where we can maximize the potential of our car, execute the work well and, hopefully, come home with some points.”
Aron in FP1
In line with FIA regulations, which require each driver to give up their seat to a rookie in FP1 twice a season, Hülkenberg will make way for Paul Aron. Audi announced that the Estonian will take to the track this weekend and in Austria (where he will take Bortoleto’s seat instead) before “returning” it to Alpine for the second part of the season.
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