A FAMILIAR circuit presents a new challenge for Oxfordshire’s Formula 1 teams tomorrow.

The Spanish Grand Prix concludes the second triple-header of the 2020 season as the shortened campaign continues.

The Barcelona track is used for winter and in-season testing, but with the race moved from its May slot Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo is unsure what to expect.

He said: “I think it’s going to be interesting going there now, this late in the year, when it’s going to be a lot warmer than in February or even May when we usually race.

“We had a decent winter test there earlier in the year, but the car has changed a bit since then, so I’m looking forward to trying that out.

“It’s not usually the most exciting of races for overtakes as it’s a high-speed circuit and quite hard to follow the car in front.

“I think if we can qualify well, there’s no reason we can’t have a strong result.”

Ricciardo finished 14th at last weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, but Enstone-based Renault were the only one of the county’s teams to score a point, courtesy of Esteban Ocon’s eighth place.

The Frenchman said: “It’s a track where I had my best result in Formula 1: fifth place in 2017.

“I’ve always had success there and had really good feelings going there as it’s one of my favourite tracks.

“I’m looking forward to it and aiming for a solid result.”

Haas, who have a factory in Banbury, were also outside of the points at Silverstone as Grove-based Williams brought up the rear.

Nicholas Latifi was the final car to reach the chequered flag in 19th, but the rookie was bullish about his chances this weekend.

He said: “I feel that I have consistently been making gains race on race.

“I am looking forward to trying to put everything together on the Saturday.

“I think Barcelona will be a nice track to solidify and see the performance of the car relative to our direct competitors.

“It is a track that is a benchmark for Formula 1 as it has a bit of everything, and I am confident we will go well there.”

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith is looking to bounce back as MotoGP arrives in Austria for a double-header.

The Aprilia rider, from Forest Hill, will hope to improve on his 17th place in the Czech Republic last weekend as the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg hosts its first of two races tomorrow.

Smith, 29, will be aiming for a strong showing at a circuit that is expected to suit the Italian team’s bike.

He is 20th in the championship, with five points from three races.