Fans reminisce about the great classic circuits but Spa came through the changes much better than others to produce one of the great modern circuits. As it follows the contours of the Ardennes mountains it remains the most thorough test of a Formula One car on the current calendar. Average lap speeds are high, aerodynamic loadings are prolonged, and handling is tested to the limit as 320 km/h (199 mph) straights combine with 70 km/h (43 mph) hairpins, several high-speed bends and, of course, the famous Eau Rouge. There is also the less famous Pouhon (turn 12) which is taken blind in sixth gear and which still allows the drivers to make the difference.
There is also the notoriously unpredictable Ardennes weather and a circuit that is soaked at one end and bone dry at the other is not unusual.
Belgian Grand Prix
Top speed:
330 km/h (205 mph)
Average speed:
233 km/h (145 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
70%
Time under braking:
10%
Gear changes per lap:
52
Tyre compounds:
soft/hard
Tyre wear:
low/medium
Brake demand:
medium
Downforce level:
medium
Belgian Grand Prix
Spa, along with Monza, provides the most rigorous test of an engine in the calendar. 73 per cent of the lap is spent at full throttle with two prolonged full throttle periods of over 20 seconds. The most demanding of these is without a doubt the 23 second stretch from La Source to Les Combes, via Eau Rouge (turns 1 to 7). This stretch presents a unique test to engines as they are exposed to both extreme positive and negative vertical 'g' forces as the car drops through Eau Rouge and out over the following crest which must factored in to the engine design.
Spa is also the longest lap of the season, and the circuit has a very high fuel penalty meaning that an engine with good fuel consumption can be beneficial under the current qualifying system. Meanwhile, downforce levels are a compromise between maximizing grip in the high number of 'aero corners' and maximising overtaking opportunities down the two long flat-out 'straights'.
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Belgian Grand Prix
Key Points:
Turn 3 'Eau Rouge' - A full throttle corner that's not for the faint of heart if momentum into the 'Kemmel Straight' is to be optimised.
Turn 10 'Pouhon' - A very quick downhill left-hander that is difficult to find the right line through.
Turn 18 'Chicane' - A very slow chicane right before the finishing straight offers a possible overtaking opportunity for the bold.
