F1 no longer a sprint in 2011

Last year's refuelling ban combined with the crumbling Pirelli tyres of 2011 have transformed grands prix from sprints into Le Mans-style endurance events.

"It's no longer enough to have the fastest car or the best driver, you have to get to the end of the races in a position to keep fighting or defend your position," veteran engineer Joan Villadelprat wrote in his latest column for El Pais.