Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
Disappointing circumstances to end a really strong performance for Calan in Barcelona today.
Barcelona is incredibly hard on tyres at the best of times, and even more so in the very hot conditions of today.
Championship rules only allow 3 sets of new tyres per event, plus one set of used tyres from the previous round. In order to save 3 sets for Qualifying and racing, there would be only one single used set to last the practice session.
A number of teams used a new set for practice, but Calan and the team opted for a strategy of using 3 sets of new tyres in qualifying with a single push lap on each.
On the single set of used tyres for the session Calan had good pace in practice and finished in P18 with a number of those ahead on new tyres.
In qualifying Calan delivered an excellent lap on his run on the first set. At this stage he was P8 and only 3 tenths off pole, then his run on the second set was good also, still only 5 tenths off the quickest time.
With a short stop required to enter and leave the pits to run the third set (when the track is at its quickest), Calan's car failed to start. The car eventually started, but with only time to complete one preparation lap for the tyres, crossing the line with 1 sec to spare to start his final flying lap.
The first sector was quicker again in the 1st sector and then the driver ahead (who had completed his last flying lap) slowed up in front of him repeatedly through corners the majority of the lap before pulling into the pits.
As a result what looked like a strong push for a top 10 start for Race 1 has ended up P25.
The upside is Calan and the team are confident in the pace of the car and as always the focus will be on an agressive move through the field to achieve a good starting position for Race 2 on Sunday.
Photos: Dutch Photo Agency