Spain Preview Quotes: Michelin
Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin motorsport director: "We will be dealing with some new characteristics at the Circuit de Catalunya this year, because it has been totally resurfaced. We completed lots of test laps here during the winter and found the asphalt much less abrasive than it used to be. We also evaluated a number of new ideas on this circuit and have developed a softer range of compounds than we were accustomed to using in the past
"Although the surface has been modified, the track configuration means there is no change to the mechanically-induced loads the rubber must endure - and these are considerable. There are several long, fast corners that put a significant strain on tyres.
"In addition, engineers run cars with a relatively high degree of downforce. Although this helps the tyres to generate more grip, it increases the demands imposed on the sidewalls through the higher-speed corners.
"Last but not least, fuel loads are more influential here than at many other circuits - every 10kg equates to about 0.4s per lap."
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