The race in Valencia was a new addition to the calendar last year and represents a real gain for Formula One. The track is built into the port area of the city and has a unique character all of its own. It is a street circuit, but cannot really be compared with Monaco, for example. Indeed, the Valencia circuit is wider and allows a much higher average speed. Plus, there are generous run-off areas at practically all the potential trouble spots around the track, which guarantees a high level of safety.

It is important to have a baseline set-up which makes the car easy to drive. The drivers have to go about improvements gradually, and also optimise their line bit by bit.