Next on the F1 calendar, in the heart of the Ardennes forest of Belgium, is Spa Francorchamps. For many years, dear to the hearts of the F1 fan, this circuit presented perhaps the greatest challenge for man and machine at the pinnacle of motor sport. Variable weather – which can see bright sunlight on a dry track at Malmedy or Stavelot, whilst it pours in the pits with rivers on Radillon – only adds to the drama (or sense of dread!) for the driver. I wonder though: is Spa still King or now overthrone? (sic). It's surely a top five F1 circuit; but which are the other four? A driver's perspective: I believe Spa has lost its edge as the king of modern circuits, due to advances in aero'; but it is still awesome through Blanchimont, where one senses the Grim Reaper's gaze from the trees. Truly, it continues to be one of his most hopeful hideouts… Bottoming out at Eau Rouge is like pressing 'launch' on a Saturn 5 rocket. Radillon takes off faster than an inverted bungee: up five storeys in 2 secs, here a driver experiences a change of almost 3G vertically! (1.5 G in the first second before the same negative G over the top); all whilst being thrown side to side with massive left-right-left G before the semi-suicidal, 'I think I want to die like this', 170+mph (275+kph) totally blind (no reference points) summit, requiring the bottle of a loony. (Hello Kimi) please log in to view this image I wish I could work out how to put a picture here. Anyway, please click on the link below. It's a shot taken from close to the top of Radillon, looking down towards the approach to Eau Rouge (which is technically where the stream flows under the circuit at the bottom); and is so deep it is actually hidden from view. It really illustrates something a TV can never show: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30450273@N06/4945741733/in/photostream/ Monaco is often thought of as a circuit where a driver can make one of the biggest differences but the slow and twisty circuit has nothing to compare for sheer roller-coaster thrills. However,… … beating them both, and in my opinion, the greatest present day challenge to F1 drivers is – Suzuka !- - -o0o- - - Perhaps some may disagree? If so, I'd be very interested to hear counter-arguments. Does anyone have another circuit which should be included to make up the whole handful?
Spa-Francorchamps will always be the king of circuits! Though I would like to see the gravel trap return around pouhon as now it's just a cheap run-off like at Hockenheim. Can't wait to go there for the 2nd time in 4 weeks time!
Spa and Monza are what F1 is all about IMO, but of the 2 Spa is the true test of a driver and his car.
I have to agree with Cosi, Suzuka is probably the ultimate drivers circuit now. Spa has been tilkerised a bit too much, it's still an exceptional circuit, but not what it was in the past (plus it hasn't been the same since they got rid of the old bus-stop chicane)
So far, including my own nominations, we have only four circuits: Spa, Suzuka, Monaco and Monza. Any other nominations to complete the hand?
Cheers, Sport: I knew you could be relied upon! Kyle: I have fond memories of the older layout(s! – the really old version before the Brooklands and Luffield 'infield' was completely bonkers!!), but what we have now is fabulous to drive and spectacular to watch, whilst retaining almost all of the best of its recent past as well as adding significant length to the circuit with some great new corners. No mean feat! No surprise then: I completely agree with Sporty's nomination.- - -o0o- - - Any others then, folks? I'm hoping we might define the top five so called 'driver's circuits' – those which you think drivers themselves love for the sheer thrill of it!
Very true. My all time favourite. Sadly, it no longer features in motor racing's finest showcase. [edit] Oops! I'm referring to N̦rdschliefe of course. РThe big one!
I think Interlagos is a good track, not looking forward to them moving the pits though. It will take away the charecter of that hill
I think Spa and Suzuka top the list but with Suzuka just edging it as far as demands on the driver goes, but in terms of enjoyment Spa retakes that edge. Followed by Monaco and Silverstone, and perhaps Singapore. Probably the arrogance of my youth, but I just can't put Monza up there; It is one of my least favourite tracks on the calendar. No real elevation changes, changeable weather or interesting corners (save Ascari). Despite it's long straights it doesn't really throw up a good race either because it's too narrow to overtake on.
Yeah, good point Bando. I also like the Sao Paulo circuit; and it is a unique challenge to drivers. Monza is a blast but I understand this point of view. Are you aware of its original layout, RR? Check out this early diagram (!): Monza pre-war (before Scalextric!) N.B. Although I have many fond memories of Scalextric (especially doing well in an international event held in a huge hall in downtown Le Mans), I'm far too young to remember the original Monza!
