FORMULA 1 UPDATE-SPANISH GRAND PRIX

F1 UPDATE
FROM A MAN THEY CALL SHUMI


Sunday's Spanish F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya
Fernando Alonso is determined to put on "a beautiful show" for his Spanish fans this weekend, but knows it may well be another ugly performance from Renault given their disappointing pace.
This weekend Ferrari will look to consolidate their position as clear title contenders and it should be a question of which red car takes the spoils. Massa was convincingly faster than Raikkonen in Bahrain and the two circuits are similar. Last year Massa managed to shrug off an unwise challenge from Alonso going into Turn 1, but this year it's more likely to be his team leader or Robert Kubica vying for that position.
BMW-Sauber will look to maintain their ability to mix it with Ferrari and McLaren. Ron Dennis believes that now the teams are back in Europe, the pace of development will see the top two of last season edge out a gap.

Kimi Raikkonen is upbeat about Ferrari's chances of making it three wins in a row in Barcelona this weekend.
After their opening race disaster in Australia, Ferrari hit back to win in both Malaysia and Bahrain. They were also at the top of their game during last week's four-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Raikkonen believes things are looking good for the Maranello-based team ahead of this weekend's race in Spain. This weekend could also be the scene of the first wet race of the 2008 season.
Lap: 4.655 km Race distance: 66 laps, 307.104 km
Race lap record: Felipe Massa (Brazil) Ferrari 1:22.680 (2007)
The circuit, in the hills north of the city, is a demanding one for drivers and engineers but races have often been processional. The teams test there a great deal in the winter so the circuit holds no surprises, although wind can be a factor.
The circuit was completed in 1991 and has hosted the Spanish round of the championship since then.
It was modified after the 2006 season, with a chicane replacing the final two quick bends for safety reasons and to help overtaking.