Why would you recommend the Spanish GP?

Nick: I would recommend the Spanish GP as it is located beautifully close to the sea an obviously there is Barcelona nearby, which is a great city.

Three reasons why we should watch the Spanish GP and why?

Nick: First one is that normally the atmosphere is great and it is pretty busy. Since Alonso became world champion Spain is crowded with people who follow Formula One. The second reason is that it is the first European Grand Prix and most teams mention that they will have new parts and a new package on the car, especially on the aero side, and this could shift the order of the teams. So that will be very interesting. The third reason – well, it is the closest one for many of the people who will read this interview!.

The three points you like most of the Montmeló circuit…and the three you dislike most?

Nick: I like turn three a lot, a very quick right one, which is still very quick this year despite having less downforce. Secondly I like braking into turn one, it is quite high speed and sometime it is a good overtaking opportunity. I like the last couple of corners, but only if the balance is right. It has been changed a couple of years ago, and it is nice if you get it right, but if the balance is bad, it is quite difficult. So therefore it is also one of the points I don’t like if the balance is bad. What I also don’t like is that overtaking normally is difficult on this track, even the start and finish straight is pretty long. Maybe this year, with the new regulations, it will be a bit easier. There is nothing else I don’t like.

The podium for the Spanish GP? Why?

Nick: It will be a one-two for Brawn GP, with their diffuser still in use, and Alonso will be third, because he will do especially nice on his home GP.

Three places you would recommend from Barcelona’s city, and why you like the city/región?

Nick: Even I have been plenty of times in Barcelona for racing and testing, I did not have a lot of time for visiting the city. Definitely something to look at is Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the other buildings of him. I also like La Rambla for shopping and I’m looking forward for a visit of Nou Camp to feel the legendary atmosphere which I heard a lot of.  

Three or five modifications/changes made to the car (set-up) for the Montmeló circuit

Nick: First of all we know the set-up very well, because we have been testing there before the season, but there is nothing outstanding I could say about set-up changes for Barcelona.  

The keys of the circuit? How much is KERS relevant in this circuit? (note this interview was conducted before BMW Sauber announced the would abandon KERS for the Spanish GP)

Nick: I think KERS is a benefit there, especially because of the start. It is one of the longest grades, if not the longest, before turn one, so you should have a good benefit on the start lap with KERS. Otherwise the keys of the circuit are to have a good balance in the last sector, especially over race distance when the tires drop. It is always said the Circuit de Catalunya is a very good indicator of how good your car is in terms of down force and aero efficiency. There a quite a few high speed corners, also it is not a extreme as it used to be, and also some nice slower corners, so you need to have a good package.

What motivates you more for racing in Montmeló?

Nick: I am 100 percent motivated for each race and there is honestly no difference from one circuit to another in that matter.

Anecdotes that have happened to you in the circuit or the city?

Nick: There have been plenty of things that happened in Barcelona or when going from the airport to the circuit or in the hotels I stayed. Some of them are small and not worse to mention, others are things that I would not tell you in an interview-laughs-.

What would you tell/say to the crowds that will fill the Montmeló grandstands?

Nick: I would thanks them for creating a great atmosphere, which I feel mainly when being on the parade lap. It is outstanding, as I said earlier, it is totally packed and the stands and podiums are full. Especially after turn seven, on the left hand side hill, where the Alonso supporters with Alonso flags and the flags of Asturias are. The noise there is just amazing.

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