The Circuit de Catalunya is among F1’s favourite testing tracks because it has a bit of everything…

A long main straight and high-speed corners in the first sector, medium speed turns in the second, and a slow, technical complex to end the lap. It’s a high-downforce power track that’s also tough on tyres – all of which leads to a perception that a car that runs well at the Circuit de Catalunya is likely to be good everywhere. The track also boasts good facilities, advantageous logistics, and an ideal climate. The Circuit de Catalunya is as close to the nominal F1 circuit as the sport possesses.

That hasn’t necessarily translated into great races, however, with the perception being that familiarity dials out some of the variables. To date, the driver starting from Pole has a strong history of going on to win the race – though Pirelli’s tyre philosophy and DRS have worked to greatly improved the show.

It hasn’t been a particularly rewarding circuit for McLaren, providing only four of the team’s eight Spanish Grand Prix victories – though the four did include a memorable hat-trick for Mika Häkkinen in the years 1998-2000, in addition to Kimi Räikkönen’s 2005 victory.