F1 2020 Spanish GP: Friday as it happened

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The end of Formula 1’s second triple-header sees it head to ♋the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which plays host to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Usually held in Mﷺay, F1 heads to Spainᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ after back-to-back races at Silverstone.
Heading to Spain in the middle of the summer means temperatures will be a lot warmer than usual, especially 🏅compared to winter testing here back in Febꦕruary.
Sergio Perez returns to Racing Point h𝓰aving been ruled out of the previous British and 70th Anniversary Graꦯnds Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.
Last time out
Pirelli’s decision to brin💞g softer tyres to the second race at Silverstone proved to be a critical one with Max Verstappen storming to a shock victory.
Despite securing a 1-2 in qualifying yet again, Mercedes was unable to maintain its advantage into the race, blistering its rear tyres quickly allowing the R𒆙ed Bull driver to take his first victory of 2020.
The result means Lewis Hamilton has a 30-point lead over V♔erstappen going into Spain, with Bottas a further four points back.
Charles Leclerc continued his strong run of form, finishing fourth at the 70th Anni�🐈�versary GP.
Alexander Albon re💫covered from ninth on the grid to finish fifth, beating the two Racing Points of Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg.
Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris꧃ and Daniil Kvyat completed the points-paying positions.
What to expect from this weekend?
Mercedes will once again be the team to beat in qualifyওing but warmer track temperatures may allow Red Bull to close the gap over a race distance.
Pirelli has nominated the C1, C2 and C3 🌠tyres for this 🧸weekend - the hardest three compounds it can bring to a grand prix.
No rain is expected this weekend.

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