F1: Team Lotus tackles the street circuit of Monaco

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Team Lotus has released information and data about one of the most demanding circuits in Formula 1 , the Circuit de Catalunya located near Barcelona, home of the Grand Prix of Spain held this weekend.


Description
Needs high brake cooling to avoid caliper overheat but brake wear is not an issue
Bumps and kerbs are not major issues after 2009 resurfacing work
Max downforce needed compared to better efficiency aero package
Very low grip especially on Thursday P1
High track improvement between sessions
Intra-session setup changes usually overshadowed by track improvement
Highest percentage of low speed of all circuits with the slowest corner @ T6
First gear is used 35% of time a lap and better to have a longer one for driveability
Partly resurfaced in 2010

Typical balance issue Traction and lack of overall grip are usually the main issues
Gears ratio (1st gear/others) 1st gear often used on track

Circuit particularity
Bumpiness Medium
Overtaking chance Low
Kerbs Low / medium
RH setting particularity Slightly higher than normal tracks

Sensitivities
Engine severity Very low
Gearbox severity Very high
Lat/Long grip Longitudinal
Aero efficiency ratio Very low

Track and base setup
Track grip evolution during WE Very high
Aero settings Very high (Max)
Brake wear severity Medium high
Brake cooling necessity Very high

Pirelli tire compounds in Monaco
Soft (Prime)
Super Soft (Option)

(Photo: WRI2)