2015 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX PREVIEW |
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October - 01 November 2015
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Fernando Alonso “I’m really excited about racing in Mexico. There’s a big motorsport fan base in the country, so I’m sure the atmosphere at the track will be fantastic. The circuit looks interesting to drive, so it will be great to get out there during Friday practice; it’s always fun to race at new venues.” Jenson Button“It was satisfying to get more points on the board in Austin. We maximised the strategic opportunities presented to us and we’ll try to maintain that momentum in Mexico. I remember watching GPs there on the TV and it always looked like an amazing atmosphere.” Circuit lowdown Formula One returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City after a 23-year absence. The 4.305km (2.675-mile) circuit has been heavily revised since it last hosted a grand prix, in 1992, but it remains on its original site in the Magdalena Mixhuca Park and it retains its name, in memory of the Rodríguez brothers. The layout consists of seven left-handers and 10 right-handers, but the 1.314km (0.816-mile) pit straight has perhaps the biggest influence on car set-up. To achieve a predicted top speed of 328km/h (204mph), the cars will need to maximise a delicate trade-off between aerodynamic downforce and drag, and complicating matters further is the altitude. Situated at 2,200 metres (7,218 feet), the Autódromo is considerably higher than any other venue in F1. There is only 78 per cent of the oxygen available at sea level, which changes the performance characteristics of the car and the power unit. The turbo has to spin faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen entering the ICE (internal combustion engine) and the thinner air means the car generates less aerodynamic downforce at any given wing level. Many of the faster sections of track have been altered since the last race. The Esses have been modified in the name of safety and the notorious final corner, Peraltada, is no longer included in its entirety. The banked 180-degree right-hander is now preceded by a stadium section, from which the cars emerge in second gear halfway around Peraltada. The asphalt is new, giving the surface an oily film which will be slippery to begin with. At least the teams will be using familiar tyre compounds because Pirelli is taking the same rubber to Mexico that has been used on seven previous occasions this year. The Soft (Option) and Medium (Prime) compounds will provide traction out of the slow corners, while providing resistance through some of the faster corners. McLaren has a good record in Mexico, having won at the track on three previous occasions. However, the venue will be new to Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, both of whom were still karting when the last Mexican Grand Prix took place in 1992. |
Mexico facts & stats |
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McLaren at the Mexican Grand Prix |
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