Spanish GP practice data illustrates nail-biting race in store

The fastest lap of Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix went the way of Oscar Piastri, whose best effort in FP2 came in at a 1:12.760.

Piastri's lap time was three-tenths better than anything his rivals could muster, marking a strong start to the weekend for the championship leader.

McLaren enters the Barcelona round looking to continue its strong start to the campaign and bag a seventh win in nine rounds.

One week ago in Monaco, all the focus was on qualifying, as a pole position often allows the driver to put one hand on the winner's trophy.

Pole at Barcelona is far less important - but it is still a good omen as 70 per cent of the grands prix staged at the venue have been won from the leading position on the starting grid.

Engine modes and fuel loads are always unknown elements when it comes to shaping up a competitive picture after Friday, but there should be no surprise that McLaren has topped both practice outings given its near dominant start to the season.

Piastri set the three fastest sectors during FP2, but it was his first sector where he made up the most time - despite Verstappen being faster on the straight and George Russell having the advantage through the opening two corners.

As the lap progressed, Piastri extended his advantage, culminating in the fastest lap time of the day.

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Long run data paints different picture

Teams and drivers (and fans!) will welcome the overtaking chances Sunday will bring, as we were all deprived of wheel-to-wheel action in Monaco.

Turn 1 most often sees the overtaking action, however Turn 10 also sits as an opportunity to sneak by as the drivers enter the final sector.

While the practice data suggested McLaren holds the form over one lap, a different picture is formed by the long-run lap times.

It was Verstappen who posted the best lap times across the high fuel runs, with the Red Bull driver averaging a 1:19.918, while his rivals couldn't get below the 1:20 mark.

Verstappen used the soft tyre for his run while Piastri had the mediums attached, coming in almost one second slower than the four-time champion - a natural deficit considering the difference in tyre compounds.

Norris lapped closest to the Dutchman, but significantly, was almost three-tenths down. Charles Leclerc, who was the leading Ferrari, was only an average of one-tenth slower than Norris.

With just one day of on-track action in the books under the FIA's stricter guidelines covering flexing front wings, it is too early to suggest what impact that element is having on lap times.

However, all teams will be hoping the rule change will generate a personal boost. Indeed, a victory for Verstappen would go a long way in keeping his title hopes alive.

Red Bull should feel encouraged after the opening day of running, as it looks to be in strong shape. But until the cars enter parc ferme conditions on Saturday afternoon, nothing is truly certain.