Preparing for a new F1 circuit

How much information do you get when a new circuit comes onto the calendar?
We do have access to a lot of data from the circuit before we go there, this is available to all teams from the circuit architects so we will have a good understanding of what the layout of the circuit will be like.

What information do you use in terms of modeling the track for simulation?
We can model the circuit data on our simulator, and using the image and video resources available you're able to build up a picture of the grandstands and surroundings. This will give visual aids for the drivers. So going to a new track, we will be fairly settled on the layout of the circuit. Through the simulations we do we can try to work out the best set up for the car for that circuit. So there is quite a lot we can try and do to prepare.

Can you do anything in terms of tire data based on existing knowledge of the compounds being used?
We know already ahead of the race what two compounds we’ll have but we don’t know what the roughness of the surface will be until we get there. It’s going to be after Free Practice 1 when we’re going to get a better understanding of what the circuit’s like and its challenges.

Is there any change in procedure for the team travelling to the race. Does the garage build happen earlier to see the finished facilities?
Normally at new circuits we will get there a day ahead, to familiarize ourselves with the area, with the garage etc. and also with Russia it’s a double header with Japan. Other than that, not really, it’s going to be new for everybody. You turn up with your own expectation of what the circuit’s going to be like from a virtual world, but none of us have been there before.

The anticipation and excitement when you turn up to a new circuit is definitely there. Andy Damerun/Red Bull F1