It was McLaren this morning, this afternoon it was Red Bull turn to lock out P2 on Friday.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were first and second fastest, with Vettel nearly 0.8 seconds quicker than Michael Schumacher's Mercedes in third place.

Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest for Ferrari, 0.062secs behind Schumacher.

The Spaniard was followed by Robert Kubica's Renault, Lewis Hamilton's McLaren and Nico Rosberg's Mercedes.

Felipe Massa was eighth fastest, 0.483secs behind his team-mate, with Jenson Button's McLaren and Adrian Sutil's Force India rounding out the top 10.

All the teams have come to Spain, the first European race of the season, with major updates to their cars.

Ferrari's Alonso had some wild moments out on the track but his position is higher than it has been in most Friday practice sessions this season, with his team generally choosing to do race preparation work on the first day of a race weekend.

Ferrari have introduced new front and rear wings, a new diffuser, new barge boards, their version of McLaren's 'F-duct' aerodynamic aid, which improves top speed, and engine changes aimed at improving reliability.

Formula 1 drivers from both ends of the grid hope that the FIA will consider splitting the field into two groups for Q1 in Monaco to avert what could be a traffic nightmare.

With the entry up to 24 cars for the first time since the Q1/Q2/Q3 format was introduced, and larger speed differentials from front to back than have been the case for many years, there are fears that qualifying on Monte Carlo's narrow streets will turn into chaos.

"I don’t think it’s a bad idea [to split Q1], as I think having 24 cars on the circuit is going to be tricky," said championship leader Jenson Button.

"And it’s not just that it’s 24 cars, we do still have cars that are six seconds off the pace.

"So it’s going to be very tricky to get a lap, and we might find a quick car getting knocked out of Q1."

His team-mate Lewis Hamilton agreed.

"It's already been very, very close and very difficult to find a gap in qualifying in the past couple of races, so Monaco would be virtually impossible to get a clear lap I imagine," he said.

"I think it would be a sensible move [to split into groups]."

Jarno Trulli admitted that he would find it hard to stay out of the title contenders' way in his off-the-pace Lotus in Monaco.

"I think it's very hard for me that I'm slow as well as for the guys in front that are very quick," he said.

"Maybe they should say, just for once in the season, 24 cars, we don't want to have problems, get the agreement of all the teams, and split it.

"It's better to sort it out before rather than making a big mess.

"I am slow, so I'm going to probably impede someone else.

"The guy which I have impeded, he's probably going to get me back, it's a bit like this."

Red Bull's Mark Webber doubts that any of the absolute front-runners would get caught out, but saw the logic of splitting the session.

"You could have a couple of big scalps where guys might not get a clear run," he said.

"But you would think it might more affect guys who are on the bubble and need two or three really clear laps.

"A lap for a fast guy that might be mediocre or semi-mediocre might still get you through.

"We know the guys driving the cars which are a little bit slower are still on the limit, they're doing their stuff, but they have nowhere to go there.

"It's blind, you can come up on someone very, very fast.

"A split session is something I wouldn't be in favour of, but it could be beneficial.

Both Ferrari drivers also had minor off-course moments as they completed tried out the F10 with and then without the rear wing stalling system, while Rosberg had a wilder moment across the grass between turns two and three.

The championship-leading team is expecting its MP4-25 to suit the aerodynamically-demanding circuit and Hamilton in particular demonstrated its potential in first practice, the former world champion’s benchmark lap of 1m21.134s over half a second quicker than points leader Button’s.

Under-pressure Michael Schumacher made a much-needed strong start in the heavily upgraded Mercedes W01 to take third and in the process outpaced team-mate Nico Rosberg in a practice session for just the fourth time in 13 attempts.

The W01’s wheelbase has been lengthened in a bid to improve the weight distribution of the car – a change that is expected to better suit Schumacher’s driving style – while a raft of further aerodynamic upgrades have been introduced.

Pre-race favourite Red Bull set the early pace in the session but subsequently didn’t improve its times in response to the McLarens and Schumacher, Mark Webber finishing marginally ahead of the sister car of Sebastian Vettel in fourth.

Rosberg was over 0.3s back on Schumacher in sixth, with Robert Kubica in seventh for Renault ahead of Fernando Alonso as Ferrari tried out a full version of an F-duct on the F10.

Ferrari have responded to criticism of their Marlboro ‘barcode’ by changing the design.

The space on the car is now predominantly red with a white box outline. The team said they hope they change will “put an end to this ridiculous story”.

The team issued a statement saying:

Together with Philip Morris International we have decided to modify the livery of our cars starting with the Barcelona Grand Prix.

This decision was taken in order to remove all speculation concerning the so-called “bar code” which was never intended to be a reference to a tobacco brand.

By this we want to put an end to this ridiculous story and concentrate on more important things than on such groundless allegations.
Ferrari statement

Today’s FIA press conference, predictably enough, was a mainly Spanish affair, with Fernando Alonso on the panel, along with his fellow countrymen, Pedro De La Rosa and Jaime Alguersuari.

The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver began by taking a realistic approach to what the team can expect to do here, even though there are some technical innovations being introduced this weekend on the F10. “As everybody else, we will introduce something here, but I don’t think it is huge or that we change the car completely so they are really very small modifications, mainly aero updates and some improvements also in the engine in terms of reliability,” said Fernando.

Neither did the Ferrari man expect to see a major change to the team hierarchy at the start of the European leg of the season. “I don’t think it will change dramatically here. Maybe it will depend circuit by circuit more than on the car modifications. We saw in winter testing, the last test here, was nothing special for us, so we expect to have a lot of work to do tomorrow and Saturday to change that situation and be as competitive as we were in some other places.

Our target at the moment is to maximise our potential in the coming races. I think in the first part of the championship we had a very strong car but maybe we did not take all the points we should so there is no room for mistakes in the next few races and we would like to take back the lead in the championship as soon as possible.”

On the human side, the local boy is really looking forward to this weekend. “In the past, the Spanish Grand Prix has been a great race for me in terms of emotions and in terms of results as well,” he recalled. “I have been quite lucky always to be in a good position and have a competitive car with my past teams, Renault and McLaren and so for this weekend I hope I can get on the podium again wearing another colour.”

On a cool and cloudy Thursday afternoon, with a few drops of rain falling on the Catalunya circuit, for the first time this season, Felipe Massa met the media in the surroundings of the team motorhome, rather than the improvised offices at the first four races outside Europe. “We have introduced updates to the car, mainly from the aero point of view, especially with the “famous” blown rear wing, which we will try in free practice here,” began Felipe when asked about how the F10 has changed since the Chinese Grand Prix. “I don’t think it matters that we are only starting with this type of wing now, because for the moment, only one other team has made good use of it, so I don’t feel we are having to catch up in this area.

After all, it is just one element in the package. I hope it gives us some more performance. But most of the teams will have also introduced updates, so let’s hope we have made a bigger step forward than the rest! Also, as you have heard, we have made a change to the engines to deal with a small reliability issue and that will definitely be important for us.”

Asked to pick Scuderia Ferrari’s main rival for this weekend, the Brazilian came up with the usual list: “so far this season, we have seen that Red Bull has been very strong in qualifying but we cannot rule out McLaren and possibly also Mercedes are getting stronger.” Here in Barcelona, Felipe was asked if it bothered him that his new team-mate seemed to get more media attention. “We are both strong drivers and remember I have had Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen as my team-mates here in Ferrari,” he replied. “I will not be driving around here to see who the fans are cheering for in the grandstands and in any case, I have always had a nice welcome from the Spanish people.

I will just be trying to do the best job I can. I feel very at home with this team and I don’t mind if there is more talk about my team-mate, who of course is very popular here in Spain for his home race. The important thing is that we work well together to develop and improve the car so we both get good results.”

Strap yourself into the F1 cockpit and hold on, as you blast away on the fastest roller coaster on the planet. You'll accelerate to 240km/h and see what 1.7 Gs really feels like. You'll scream over the track and 52 meters into the sky before flying through the chicanes and across the finish line on the Formula Rossa.  

Formula Rossa celebrates speed, aerodynamics and technical innovation. 

A featured attraction at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, Formula Rossa will take you on the most thrilling ride of your life.

The Formula Rossa journey will begin in a temperature controlled pre-ride waiting area, where riders will be given protective eyewear, designed to protect passengers from the windforce generated by the coaster's high speed. Using a hydraulic winch system, similar to those used to launch jet planes, the F1 inspired coaster is then shot out of the launch area using 20,800 horsepower and propelled to a height of 52m in less than 5 seconds.

Riders are then taken on a blindingly fast and thrilling experience along a 2.07 km track full of sharp turns and sudden drops.

According to the designers of Formula Rossa, Jack Rouse Associates, the key challenge in building the world's fastest roller coaster was obtaining the desired speed without compromising passenger safety and comfort.  

 
Key facts about Formula Rossa

• World's fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240 kph
• 0 to 100 km in 2 seconds
• Winch system uses 20,800 horsepower
• 2.07 kilometer track
• Designed by Jack Rouse Associates
• Manufactured by Intamin
• Roller coaster cars designed to resemble the Ferrari F1 car, down to the use of the exact "Rosso Scuderia"
• Ride capacity of 16 passengers – 4 cars in the train, 4 riders per car
• Maximum elevation 52 m
• Lowest elevation 1.5 m
• 1.7 Gs
• Occupies 8.48 Hectares / 21 Acres of Land
• Sharpest turn at 70 degrees

About Ferrari World Abu Dhabi:

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be the world's largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families. With over 20 unique rides, attractions and shows, including the world's fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be a celebration of Ferrari's past, present and future. Due to open in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the signature features of Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a world-class development by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, management and investment company and will be managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc., an international leisure facilities management and operating company.

Ferrari have constantly been denying any problems in terms of reliability with their Engines this year, however, Ferrari has made changes to its engines for reliability reasons for the Spanish Grand Prix after being granted permission to do so by the FIA.

The Maranello outfit has experienced problems with its V8 unit since the start of the season, with Fernando Alonso suffering two failures already and customer team Sauber also having a spate of issues.

Changes aimed at improving the performance of engines are banned under the engine freeze regulations, but design alterations on reliability grounds are permitted provided prior authorisation is given by the FIA.

Ferrari has confirmed that, following work on its power plants at its Maranello base since the last round in China, it has found some solutions for the problems and it has been given the green light to make revisions for this weekend’s race.

“A lot of work was carried out on the test bench, completing several long runs and this work produced some solutions which it is felt will solve the reliability problems experienced in Bahrain and Malaysia,” the team said in a Barcelona preview piece on its website"

“The team therefore requested and received authorisation from the FIA to make some changes within the framework of the current engine regulations and these modifications will be fitted to the engines to be used in Spain.”

Ferrari has, like all its rivals, spent the three-week break between races working on upgrades for its car – in particular its full version of McLaren’s F-duct, which the team says will feature on its F10 in Friday practice.

The team tried out the innovative concept, which stalls the rear wing on the straights when the driver operates a vent situated on the nosecone from the cockpit, during one of its four permitted straight-line tests in Italy last week.

Ferrari says a decision on whether it will be kept on the car for the weekend action in Spain will be taken after both race drivers use it for the first time on Friday.

“Using this idea is not as straightforward as simply fitting a new component to the cars, because it involves not just a different wing design, but also a driver-operated system to use it effectively,” the team added.

“Evaluation has therefore been quite a lengthy process, involving simulation and test bench testing, prior to it making its track debut last Saturday during one of the four permitted straight-line aero tests, held at Vairano.

“Giancarlo Fisichella was at the wheel of the F10, while Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso were able to try the system on the simulator.

“On Friday in Barcelona, the wing will be tested by both drivers during the free practice sessions, as they will need to get used to actually operating the system and there will be no need to do a back-to-back evaluation against the existing wing as this has already been carried out at Vairano.

The plans for a New York Grand Prix have appeared online after an environmental pressure group criticised the project.

A 5.79km (3.6-mile) circuit in Liberty State Park has been designed and the organisers are hoping to emulate Singapore by holding the Grand Prix at night.

See the 2012 New York City Grand Prix plans in full below.

The proposal says:

With the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, selecting Jersey City for the 2012 Grand Prix Auto Race Circuit will not only boost ticket sales as the Grand Prix returns to the United States, but will providing striking television footage. To maximize the dramatic effect, Jersey City could possibly follow in Singapore’s footsteps by holding the finals at night.

Pictured below is a generic circular circuit through Liberty State Park, which covers a distance of 3.6 miles, the area would provide the least impact to city functions, and the greatest possible space to accommodate ticket holders. As the park has 1,212 acres, with a significant portion dedicated open space, amble viewing facilities can be erected, with the potential to hold the largest spectator audience on record.

There are multiple ways to carve out the interior to make the course challenging with tight turns, great straights, plenty of options to place the pit, run off zones, team facilities, media center, and of course the paddock area.

However the planned space for the track to be built in looks distinctly cramped. Where is the room for the pit and paddock in their diagram?

New York F1 track proposal - Jersey City (click to enlarge)

The organisers point out this is just a preliminary idea for a circuit. Here’s the area they’re planning to build in:

View Larger Map

The organisers also expect Formula One Management to do a lot of the work including:

Planning, developing, logistics, marketing, and all necessary preparations to effectively carry out
the event.
Structures for media center, paddock and VIP areas, temporary meeting rooms, security control
tower, pit areas, team facilities, clubs, visitor welcome center, hospitality tent, and all other
necessary structures.
Providing ample portable facilities for visitors.
Obtaining all the necessary permits and licenses required to hold the event.
All equipment needed to stage the race as well as staffing.

It would be unusual for FOM to get so deeply involved with creating and running a race. But after 40 years of trying to get a race in New York perhaps Bernie Ecclestone is prepared to give a little more to get what he wants. On the other hand, it may just be a very optimistic plan.

Friends of Liberty State Park have criticised the plans, saying:

Whomever has proposed it to Formula I has no clue about the true purposes of LSP or about the park’s history of battles to protect public access. LSP is not a city property to rent out for the weekend and take away from public users who need it more than ever for the quality of their lives. LSP is a park for the people and is not a commercial venue. It’s arrogant for anyone to consider this use for our green haven.

Do you think the proposal is realistic? Read the plan in full here: Proposal for Jersey City Grand Prix (PDF)