Hamilton provides Spanish GP track change verdict

Lewis Hamilton has given a glowing first review of the remodelled final Formula 1 sector at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The final two corners have been reverted to the pre-2007 layout, with a high-speed double right-hander replacing the tight and twisting chicane that had been employed to try and assist overtaking into Turn 1.

But with ground-effect aerodynamics introduced as part of F1's latest regulatory era last term, the decision was made to bring the high-speed end to the lap back to increase the slipstream effect down the start-finish straight.

"It is awesome and very fast," Hamilton explained to media, including RacingNews365.com, when asked to assess the changes.

"I definitely prefer it to the small chicane we had in the past. It is much more fun."

However, the seven-time champion cautiously added about the possibility of overtaking becoming easier: "I have not followed anyone through there so I don't know how that is going to be in the race."

Wet weather can lend helping hand

Hamilton struggled for pace on Friday and finished only 11th fastest before suggesting he would find it difficult to reach Q3 in qualifying.

The threat of rain does persist in the weather forecast, however, and the Mercedes driver insisted: "Wet weather can always be a helping hand given we are not as quick as we would like to be.

"There are definitely improvements I know I can make with the set-up so I will get on top of that."