10 Things to watch out for at the 2015 Spanish Grand Prix

As lights will go out at CatalunyaAfter a long 3-week break, Formula 1 is back with this years first European race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain. The race marks the 45th edition of the Spanish Grand Prix, and it is the 5th round of the 2015 Formula 1 season.The race itself at the top is quite crunch because there are possibly 4 drivers waiting to the chequered flag first at the end of the 66-lap race this weekend. However, there is loads more see and understand during the Grand Prix.So, for you benefit, we have made list of things which you should lookout for during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

#10 McLaren\'s new livery

Picture From McLaren-Honda Official Twitter P

McLaren Honda is getting closer and closer towards their current short term aim; Formula 1 World Championship Points. The team was nearly there last time around atBahrain inthe hands of a determined Alonso, and the 3-week break has given the squad a good chance to recover, rejuvenate, and try again.

As ever, new parts and some upgrade packages are lined up for the Spanish race. But, this timehowever, all eyes will be on the teams car livery this weekend.

McLaren are shunning their silver-chrome based decal for the first time since the 1997 season, and the Mp4-30 is set to debut a black base andred stripedthemed color scheme at Catalunya. The team is describing the livery as "dynamic, predatory, graphite-grey colouration", and it predicts that the scheme will manifest appeal when it races under floodlights or bright sunshine.

#9 Who gets the momentum in Europe?

Some say, Spain is the place where the championship actually gets undergoing. , with its 5th round, the Formula 1 season is taking a very pivotal turn.

The season will start to take its real picture on the canvas after this race, and hence teams cannot afford to relax during this weekend. Spain will set the momentum, and with races coming thick and fast after this, getting the right push will be the key.

The conjuncture of the races in Spain and Monaco together itself, can prove to be vital for all the teams up and down the grid. And, hence it will be interesting to see which of the teams can cope and soak up the applied pressure over the weekend.

#8 The Overtaking Moves

Passing a race is difficult at Catalunya

Maybe it is difficult to pass in Spain, but some drivers still go for it. Look especially out for the cars that are out of position; when the race begins.

The first corner is the place to be if you want to overtake someone; and with the DRS help, you can get alongside before the heavy braking point, hence felicitating the move. Turn 10 also provides action in terms of passing.

However, overtaking is a rare sight in Spain, and if anyone manages it, then it becomes a sight to see.

#7 The Saturday Qualifying

Qualifying is very important in places like Monaco, Hungary and Spain. This is due to the fact that seldom drivers can overtake at tracks in these places, and the Circuit de Catalunya is no exception. This makes Saturday a very important session for all the F1 team, and especially for outfits that are chasing Mercedes.

Imagine if Ferrari can lock up the front row, or if Hamilton-Rosberg duo makes a collective mistake, then we can easily see a very tasty race on our hands. And, since the championship is on the stake, no top driver will risk a Hail-Mary Pass or a Kamikaze move over their bitter rivals for overtaking.

#6 Red Bull Racing\'s misfortunes

Daniel Ricciardo is certainly going to attract an engine penalty because he has already used up (read; blown up) his quota of 4 Power Units for the season. The bad luck for the team does not end there, as even young Russian Daniil Kyvat is also, by a long mile, struggling to fill in the shoes of Vettel.

Fundamentally, the team is facing too many obstacles, and currently there is no immediate silver lining for the Austrian Squad.

Another race of attrition is in store for both theirdrivers in Spain. And, hence, let us keep our fingers crossed that the team can hopefully start afresh and anew in Europe, despite all the contrarypredictions.

#5 Pastor Maldonado\'s shenanigans

Luck and Pastor Maldonado does not mix up well. The Venezuelan last time around in Bahrain suffered another lackluster race; in which he started from the wrong gridbox at the starting line.

This attracted a penalty, and ultimately it let to abad start too, which ruined his evening under the lights.

Talking about Catalunya; it is the place where Maldonado has been lucky in the past. As in the year 2012, the former Williams driver recorded his first and only Formula 1 race win till date here at Spain, and gave Sir Frank Williams something to smile about in years. That was then, and this is now, and at the moment even Lotus is running out of patience with Crashtor, as the name he goes by these days.

We need to see Maldonado getting a substantial result, and fast, if he wants to save his racing career.Besides, if you are looking for a guaranteed entertainer, then Maldonado is your man.

#4 New Parts and Key Development Updates

Since the race at Catalunya is F1’s first stop in Europe this year, we are sure to the see some new upgrade packages lined up for the weekend by the teams. This will occur because almost all of the Formula 1 squads are based in Europe, and hence it makes sense that Spain is elected as the track where in-season updates are put in for the first time. Besides, the teams have a good measure of the track because it has been on the calendar for a long time, and it is also a testing venue for all the outfits.

The Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya track itself is also very technical in nature; hence all aerodynamic update or engine changes brought here by the teams are tested in the best possible way. So, watch out for some front or rear wing revisions this weekend on some of the cars.

#3 Vettel\'s Efforts

After a lackluster Bahrain Grand Prix, the new Ferrari ace Sebastian Vettel will look to bounce back this weekend. The German made several key unforced driving errors (includingbreaking a front wing) under the lights in Bahrain, and eventually finished a lowly 5th after failing to pass the Williams of Valtteri Bottas during the closing stages of the race.

With team mate Kimi Raikkonen getting an impressive second (and a near win) in the same race, the pressure will be on the quadruple World Champion to show off his mantle this weekend.

#2 Alonsos mixed emotion

An emotional Alonso during the 2013 Triuphm at Catalunya

A home Grand Prix is always special for a driver. In fact, it is an emotional affair for him. And, there can’t be a person who is more emotional and attached than McLaren’s Fernando Alonso. The 2015 Spanish Grand Prix will be Alonso’s 15th home-race (discounting the 5 European Grand Prix at Valencia), and once again all the stands at Catalunya will be filled with the magician’s supporters.

However, Alonso, who has twice won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2006 and 2013, won’t have the top step of the podium on mind this weekend. His, and the team’s, main aim on Sunday will be to score some points for the first time this season. Such change of contrasts.

Still, expect something special, for example; Alonso’s 4^th to 1^st on the charge to the first corner in 2011.

#1 The Mercedes and Hamilton dominance

With 3 out of 4 races already in the bag, defending World Champion Lewis Hamilton is already having a petty easy time to produce a back-to-back crown. Although, Malaysia was a scare for the Brit; but thanks to his ‘on a trot’ dominant wins in China and Bahrain, the momentum is back with the Number 44 Car.

The current form book also suggests that Hamilton is the man to beat. However, Nico Rosberg and the Ferrari duo may have something else in mind. And, hence, it will still be interesting to see if Hamilton can replicate his last year’s form in Spain.