Formula 1 drivers expect passing will be difficult in first race at Madring – RaceFans

Formula 1 drivers predict overtaking will be difficult in the first grand prix on the new Madring.

Fernando Alonso, who was eliminated in the first round of qualifying, said his best chance of making up places will be if other drivers retire.

“I think to see the chequered flag will be the first target tomorrow,” said the Aston Martin driver. “After that, it’s going to be tricky to overtake.

“Looking at F3, F2, it was not an easy track to overtake. But anything can happen, especially if there is chaos in front of us, we need to benefit from that.”

Yuki Tsunoda, who failed to make the cut for the top 10, predicted it will be hard to move into the points places. “It is frustrating because it’s pretty important qualifying here, seeing as the overtake chances here are pretty difficult,” he said.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is also concerned the race could be processional and expects tyre degradation will dictate the outcome.

“It’s going to be a tricky one to overtake on, I think,” said the Ferrari driver. “So I think the start will play an important role and I think tyre degradation will play a very important role as well because we’ve definitely felt a lot of front damage during free practise.

“So we’ll have to see how it goes some more, if it’s much better or not. But if not, it’s going be all about tyre management. Then I don’t know how likely it is for us to overtakes, but tyre management will be a thing.”

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