MiD DAY tells you all about the super circuit for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix
MiD DAY tells you all about the super circuit for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix
After the 'August break' Formula One will finally be in action this weekend with the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix at one of the most exciting and unpredictable racing circuit in the world, the Spa- Francorchamps!
Mercedes' German driver Michael Schumacher drives at the
Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa during the second practice session
yesterday. PIC/AFP
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So, what is the Spa?
The word 'spa' has a different meaning altogether for Formula1 fans, teams and drivers. The first reference almost always is this beautiful hilly circuit which is in the Belgian Ardennes and is known for its fast and flowing corners. In fact, the Spa Francorchamps arguably has two of Formula1's best racing corners -- Eau Rouge and Blanchimont!u00a0Spa is known to be a classic drivers' circuit with super fast corners and only one slow chicane as you approach the start finish line. The hilly nature of the circuit is the primary reason for the multiple elevation changes on track. Watching cars go through Eau Rouge is simply breath-taking, which is almost taken at full throttle. As you follow Formula1 telecast, be prepared to hear abstract words like the 'Le Source' hairpin, 'Kemmel' straight, 'Pouhon', 'Blanchimont' and the 'Bus Stop' chicane be overused by the commentators as these corners make for some fantastic Formula1 racing.
What to expect at the Spa?
The vastly expansive 7.04km circuit experiences unpredictable weather, which means that changing weather conditions should make track action even more exciting. In the past, there have been instances where one part of the circuit is wet due to rain, whereas the other part (on the other side of the Ardennes) is completely dry. The weather forecast for this weekend indicates wet today followed by a dry spell on tomorrow. The temperature is expected to be a cool 16 degree celsius.
Who will perform at Spa?
We would expect a three way fight for victory between Red Bull Racing, McLaren and Ferrari. Considering the fast flowing nature of the circuit, Red Bull should be the faster car. However, Red Bull have been beaten by Mclaren and Ferrari in the last 3 races and have been matched for race pace. Ferrari have struggled in cooler track temperatures previously this season, will they struggle in Spa too? Lewis Hamilton is the only front running driver who has won here before. Vettel, Webber, Alonso and Button are yet to score a win at this prestigious racing circuit. Massa and Schumacher are the only other drivers on the current F1 grid to have posted victories in the previous seasons. If dry, bet on either of the Red Bulls and if wet, bet on Button or Alonso.
Important points for the race:
Spa is a circuit that pushes the car and the driver to its maximum possible limit. Tyre choice and a good race strategy will be critical especially due to unpredictable weather and the long lap around the hills. A wrong tyre choice here will hurt a driver's lap times more than most other circuits on the calendar. Pirelli is bringing their medium (white band) and soft (red band) tyres this weekend. They also reckon that their intermediate (blue band) tyres will be put to use.
What's special this weekend?
Formula1 legend and seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher celebrates his 20th anniversary in Formula1. It was at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix when Schumacher made his Formula1 debut. Can Schumacher get onto the podium this weekend? The answer lies in his Mercedes GP car. However, Schumacher holds the record for maximum wins in Spa -- six! Also, after 17 years, Belgian F1 fans will have a local driver to cheer for as Virgin Racing's Jerome d'Ambrosio will drive in his first ever home race.
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