Formula 1

Verstappen praises 'more fun' Barcelona track after a 'good day' in Spain

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Max Verstappen praised the return of Barcelona's original Turn 13 after Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Dutchman dominated the first session in Catalonia and topped Practice 2, less than two-tenths ahead of home hero Fernando Alonso.

And speaking to the media afterwards, Verstappen was pleased with his work.

“We had a good day today," he said. "I still need to look at the data and see how the other cars compare, but today was a good day.

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"The car was in a good window, and of course, we will try to fine-tune a few things here and there, but the short runs and long runs look good."

The removal of Barcelona's despised final chicane meant Verstappen's best time of 1m13.907s was almost six seconds faster than Charles Leclerc's fastest lap from Friday practice last year.

When asked about the layout change, the world champion only sees it as a positive one.

"The last two corners are better and more fun to drive," he stated. "F1 cars feel much better at high speed.

"I tried to follow a few cars through there as well and it seemed okay, I’m positively surprised by the overtaking opportunities."

Sergio Perez was fourth fastest at the end of Practice, three-tenths behind his Red Bull teammate.

But the Mexican was still more than satisfied after suggesting he had not been focusing on outright pace.

"Today was a good day, there is plenty of information for us to look at overnight. All in all, I think there were lots of positives to take," he commented.

“We always try a lot of stuff in Barcelona because it is always the most representative track we visit and really puts the whole season together.

"But we have to turn up a gear for Quali, as well as try to understand the tyres for the long run," he added. "This will be key for Sunday with the tyre degradation around this track.”

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 02: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 02, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306021067 // Usage for editorial use only //

Giving his view on the final sector change, Perez admits the much faster layout offers a much more physical challenge for the drivers.

"The new variation on the last two corners is quite tough on the neck, but obviously it was a very short day," he said, "I think we will feel it more on Sunday. It could be tricky on the muscles!"

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