Speeds are a pain in the neck for drivers

That is the conclusion veteran F1 drivers have reached after last week's Barcelona testing, which saw both Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen suffer from a trapped nerve.

The increase in speeds is primarily attributed to the new generation of soft tyres introduced this season, following the re-introduction of tyre changes during races.

This, coupled with the move to less powerful V8 engines - which in turn led to reduced downforce - have seen the drivers battle with higher physical demands.

"You are under so much force in those corners," BMW's Jacques Villeneuve told autosport.com. "The speed is so fast in the corners, that you get squashed and twisted in the cockpit. It is just so incredible with those tyres - you are just squashed in it.

"If you are not fit enough, it may cause some problems. Usually I have no problems in the neck and shoulder area, but I do feel it, and if you are not trained, then...

"I think it is going to be pretty tough in a place like Silverstone and Suzuka, even more so than [at Barcelona]. I do enjoy it, but you really have to be prepared for it."

Toyota's Jarno Trulli said he also found Barcelona more challenging this year.

"We were testing mainly tyres, and we found the track has changed a lot compared to last year," the Italian said. "It is a lot more aggressive and much quicker."