| As the teams prepare for the
next round of the Formula One championship, the Belgian Grand Prix, thoughts
turn to the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit on which the race will be
run. It is a circuit
which has develop a reputation of having some of the most challenging
corners in Formula One, including the famous Eau Rouge corner. But one
driver who does not see this corner as been a challenge is BMW WilliamsF1
driver Ralf Schumacher.
Ralf has the corner saying
that with the current generation of cars that the corner was "without any
concern". Mind you Ralf does not state whether he takes the corner flat.
Ralf added: "The once popular Eau Rouge corner has lost a bit of its
glamour.
"Today you can drive it without any concern, as the cars remain stable.
There are certainly other corners in F1 that raise my heartbeat higher."
Even with its history Ralf felt that the circuit was behind others in terms
of safety, in particular run off areas. Ralf said: "I am looking forward to
the many fast sections of the track that suit our car very well, but on the
other hand I believe this circuit is not up-to-date particularly in the
run-off areas," the German said."
Former BMW WillianmsF1 driver Jenson Button agreed with Ralf, he said: "I
think the challenge is more in the heads of the media than the drivers. Sure
it is exciting and different, but it is just one corner."
But some drivers do not agree with these views, still seeing Eau Rouge as
been a real test. For Ralf's BMW WilliamsF1 team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya it
is still a challenge.
Juan Pablo said: "Of course
Eau Rouge is a true test! I did take it flat three or four times last year."
McLaren diver David Coulthard added: "Spa is a true drivers' circuit. It
provides a real challenge and demands total focus the entire time, which
makes it all the more satisfying when you put in a flying lap.
"The highlight of the track has to be the flat out blast through the
legendary Eau Rouge, which is exhilarating when you get it spot on." |
