Melbourne, Australia
Sepang, Malaysia
Shanghai, China
Sakhir, Bahrain
Montmelo, Spain
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Montreal, Canada
Valencia, Spain
Silverstone, Great Britain
Hockenheim, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Monza, Italy
Singapore
Suzuka, Japan
Yeongam, South Korea
New Delhi, India
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Sao Paolo, Brazil
Select flag for Mark's preview
24 Jun 2012Valencia, Valencia Street Circuit
Turn 8: a tight corner, leading onto the swing bridge. There’s a small bump as you go onto the bridge, but it’s not a problem.
Turn 14: there’s more run-off at Valencia than most street circuits, but you’re apexing against a concrete wall through this right-hander, so you need to be accurate.
Turn 25: there’s a big weight transfer under braking, so it’s easy to overcook it and lock a wheel. It’s a good corner.
| 2011 winner | Sebastian Vettel |
| Mark’s place | 3rd |
| Race date | 24 Jun 2012 |
| Circuit name | Valencia Street Circuit |
| No. of laps | 57 |
| Circuit length | 5.419 km |
| Race distance | 308.883 km |
| Lap record | 1:38.683 – T Glock (2009) |
Compared to the race in Barcelona, Valencia isn’t that well attended. It’s a slightly bizarre venue because there’s concrete everywhere and the atmosphere is a bit flat. It hasn’t really clicked as an event yet.
I don’t say that because I had a big crash at this race last year. I enjoy driving an F1 car everywhere and I was only a tiny amount off Seb [Vettel] for pole last year, so I’m not slow around Valencia. But the track leaves a little to be desired; it’s impressively repetitive. It’s all second and third gear corners and it’s produced some of the most boring racing we’ve ever seen.
The last sector is quite enjoyable because it’s fast and flowing, but that’s just four corners out of 25. The track hasn’t been good to me over the years. I’ve yet to finish in the points in Valencia and I need to break that habit this year.
Away from the racetrack, it’s fun seeing the America’s Cup team facilities in the F1 paddock. They’re huge buildings and they remind you that it’s a phenomenal competition. I’ve been out on the 18-footers and they’re impressive.
It’s best to stay near the circuit at this event too. Valencia is one of the easiest cities to get lost in. Everything looks the same and when you rent a car, you can do a good job of driving round in circles.
AS A MATTER OF FACT…
- It was in Valencia that Mark had his terrifying collision with Heikki Kovalainen last year. He destroyed an overhead billboard with the underneath of his RB6 before coming to rest in the barriers. Thankfully, he was unhurt.
- The Valencia Street Circuit joined the F1 calendar 2008, but Mark had spent many nights in the city prior to then. The Ricardo Tormo Circuit, situated 20kms from the city, has long been a favoured winter testing venue for F1 teams.
- The Valencia Street Circuit is, as it says, a street track. But it shares many characteristics with a permanent track, such as its 14m minimum width and high top speeds.
- Last year the date of the race was moved from August to June in an attempt to run the race in more bearable temperatures. The ambient peaked at 30 degrees instead of 38 degrees…
Comments
Fay Dyke
POSTED June 15th, 2011
Wishing you luck for the Valencia race & hope last years events do not trouble you – best wishes x
Silvia
POSTED June 16th, 2011
Hi Mark, what a great race in Montreal, Valencia is waiting for your win. Good luck and take care.
Petra
POSTED June 21st, 2011
Hi Mark, what a wet and impressive race in Canada.I knew that guy would cause some trouble.Brilliant stuff to see you racing back up and all the way to podium.Your boys did a great shop on pit times..wow.I enjoyed you battle with Schumi so much. Quite impressive when KERS and DRS are working. It was worth to stay up til 5:30 am.The craziest race I have seen.
Good luck for Valencia and all the
best from China.
Eva
POSTED June 22nd, 2011
Mark,
hope you enjoy the cold champagne in the warm weather of Valencia!
Cheers from Madrid!
Gary
POSTED June 23rd, 2011
Mate you have to stay away from that nutter Lewis. he’s bad news. do your best, hard and fast driving is the way. Oh! Oh! Oh!
Abe
POSTED June 24th, 2011
It’s a WIN this time!! 
Alex
POSTED June 24th, 2011
Show ‘em no mercy, Mark!
From Russia with Love;)
Dina A.
POSTED June 25th, 2011
Hopefully KERS & DRS will be fine… fastest lap on quali and best result on sunday Mark !!!
Have a clean weekend and GOOD LUCK !!!! You really, really deserve to win !!
Mariella
POSTED June 25th, 2011
Good job today. Hope to see you on the top this sunday!!!!!!!
Louise
POSTED July 10th, 2011
Come on Webbs let show those Brits how to race around silverstrone!
Add a Comment
Subscribe to updates and news
- “@jtvml4ever: @AussieGrit making a meal of racism? Not a serious issue then?”YES it is.That's my point.Hit it hard and fast. 9 hrs ago
- “@maxinefilby: @AussieGrit it seems the powers that be must be related to the Contador case! #takingtheirtime #backhanders 9 hrs ago
- Deal with it the next day!! Not a year later!!! 10 hrs ago
- More updates...
Hi Mark, you broke your habit, not do get a podium, last weekend in Canada… so I’m convinced, that you can do it again in Valencia. Best of luck!!! Take care