Wolff shares crucial difference that will help Mercedes in Jeddah

Toto Wolff has pinpointed a slight difference in track demands at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit that he hopes will help Mercedes in the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Mercedes were drubbed in Bahrain, finishing over 50 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen as they admitted they had got their W14 concept wrong. An upgrade package is due for Imola which the team hopes can reduce its deficit, but Wolff has highlighted how a minor difference in demands of the street track in Jeddah could help, which has different characteristics to the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain.

Wolff highlights Mercedes difference

Bahrain's track surface is very abrasive, having not been resurfaced since the asphalt was first laid when the track was constructed ahead of the inaugural 2004 race. As a result, it is very hard on tyres, and the heavy braking and acceleration zones make it a 'rear-limited' circuit. This means the track is slightly harder on the rear tyres leading to increased tyre wear and degredation. As well as Bahrain, 'rear-limited' circuits generally include Montreal, Monaco, and the Hungaroring, In contrast, Saudi's Jeddah Corniche Circuit is smooth and a fast-flowing track, although it does feature two heavy braking and traction zones at the first and last corners. As a result of the fast, sweeping corners, it is known as a 'front-limited' circuit whereby the front tyres take most of the punishment. Historically, Mercedes have favoured front-limited circuits, with the likes of Spa, Suzuka and Silverstone tending to be classed as such. And while Wolff was not expecting "miracles" he was hopeful of a better display in Saudi Arabia. "The last time that I dreamt about miracles was a long time ago," he explained to media, including RacingNews365. "That track [Sakhir] is very rear-limited, it has a very abrasive asphalt, and that is probably the weakest point in our car. "If you look at it from that perspective, maybe it gets better [in Saudi]. "I certainly think when it comes down to front-limited track, we will [have] much better pace."