Kevin Magnussen says the Qatar Grand Prix is more likely to be the toughest race of the 12 months because of the nature of the circuit and potential climate circumstances.
Final 12 months was Method 1’s second go to to race in Qatar, however the first time with the brand new era of automobiles. The high-speed circuit is already a bodily problem however racing in October made for prime temperatures and humidity that led to a variety of drivers struggling to finish the race. This 12 months the temperatures are set to be decrease, however Magnussen says the schedule and observe format mix to actually take a look at the drivers.
“Qatar is the toughest race of the 12 months, most likely,” Magnussen stated. “It’s tremendous high-speed, and distinctive within the sense that it’s extra like a bike observe relatively than a Method 1 observe. It’s bought a really explicit movement to it — you’re by no means actually braking in a straight line, you’re extra type of crusing.
“It’s the ultimate Dash of the 12 months, in order that’s all the time one other factor to consider, and the time zone change goes to be a problem. Final 12 months it was the alternative method round — we went from Qatar to America — and actually it’s onerous to determine all of it out because it’s fairly onerous to regulate. You’ll be able to’t discover a method round it, it simply takes time, so we’re going to be jet-lagged!”
Nico Hulkenberg’s efficiency coach Martin Poole admits there’s little that may be finished in regards to the vital time zone swing, with the race at Lusail beginning at 7pm native time — the equal of 8am on the final race venue in Las Vegas.
“Qatar is likely one of the most bodily demanding tracks we go to,” Poole stated. “The ambient temperature may be very sizzling, which we noticed final 12 months, however as we’re returning a couple of weeks later hopefully it is going to be a bit cooler. It’s nonetheless going to pose a giant bodily problem for the drivers; it’s bodily anyway, however with the warmth it’s very tough.
“It’s going to be essential to remain very properly hydrated and we’ll be utilizing all of the cooling strategies that we have now accessible to us, equivalent to the normal ice tub, iced towels, ensuring he’s consuming numerous cool drinks and staying out of the warmth each time attainable.
“Shifting from Vegas to Qatar timing-wise shall be tough — there’s no straightforward approach to do it so we’ll do the most effective job we are able to to get into a very good sleep sample as quickly as we get to Qatar. Nico’s fairly good at sleeping properly and discovering time within the day to nap if he must, so I’m positive we’ll get by way of it.”
