Spa Francorchamps - The best circuit in F1 today?
- Published on Aug 22nd, 2010 by Adam MilleneuveHow do we define 'best' for a grand prix circuit, now that's a question in itself - yet many a fan will simply say "Spa" - so just why is this track seen so fondly by so many racing fans? As ever here's Badger's now famous Track Guide to help you get to know the circuit ahead of this weekend's action:
So that's a lap of Spa, now what is it to you that makes this circuit so flamin' special - here's our quick run down of some possible reasons...
- Speed - it's quick with some good straights and some very quick corners
- Overtaking - the first, super-tight hairpin can catch folk out and provide a great opportunity
- Hills - often referred to as 'gradient' - this does seem to be a common factor for all great circuits and Spa has plenty of gradient changes throughout the lap
- Eau Rouge - it may be a corner, but it's a reason in itself, the drivers love, it looks ace and tests a driver's commitment and bravery
- Weather - let's face it, you'd never consider heading to Belgium without packing at least one poncho and the rain has certainly delivered some epic drives
- Length - It's a long lap, hence fewer than 50 laps are completed during a grand prix
- Tricky but not tedious - the famous (now remodeled) 'Bus Stop Chicane' is damn tricky and catches drivers out, but unlike some of the go-kart style imitations such as those corners around Marina Bay, the bus stop works and like Eau Rouge, it's a proper challenge for the drivers
So, our lovely Badger readers - what do you make of Spa - is it wonderful? And why is it so wonderful? Use the comments folks!
oh and i’d love to see a mark webber movie he is the most...
Comments and Discussion
As well as the other excellent points made above, I would add that the scenery is just beautiful. All those trees, mainly in sector 2 but otherwise scattered throughout, make it more of a race to look at that, say, Silverstone where all you've got is grandstands and tarmac.
Sorry folks, I think we've got a temporary hitch with the track guide on this page! Watch it here on Vimeo;
http://vimeo.com/14293104
Best 3 tracks in the world are Spa, Monaco and Adelaide.
I love Eau Rouge
Klearpics Photographer will be there this weekend..bring it on
I am going and I'm really looking forward to it
@Richard Sobey: Couldn't agree more. Thats the trouble with some of these new tracks. There is an abundance of dreary grey tarmac and big fancy, buildings but the track is the most important thing and it seemingly is being designed with an Ecth A Sketch.That bugs the hell out of me.
Bernie Ecclestone better not ever get rid of the Belgian race. It is quite simply the best on the calendar. I can't wait to race it on F1 2010.
Yes, definately the most capable princess in the F1 kingdom!
Though the old-old Bus Stop (when it actually looked like a bus stop) was better and more of a challenge. Left-right right-left http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmtfI1Pg9lE (Sorry about the driver!)
The local's don't really like it though. The type of clever people who buy a house near an international race track and then complain about the noise. Some people just don't understand how lucky they are!
You don't need to apologise Dave- after all, he's the most successful driver in the circuit's F1 history ; )
I'd have to say that it's my favourite circuit too. The old-old Bus Stop in Dave's video link was definately more of an interesting section, and a driver could attack it. Get it wrong, and there's a chance the car will end up in the wall. Then the next version of the Bus Stop in this video wasn't bad either (Dave's favourite driver again!);
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fConfjrM-0c
The current Bus Stop seems far too slow to me now, but I think they wanted to change the layout to allow for a dead straight start/finish straight, rather than the left curve that it was before, with 2 sets of start lights. It's definately had some character removed!
One word reason why Spa is the best..Pouhon!
A slightly amusing name for an incredible corner!