By Phil Giles
August 25 2004

Spa Francorchamps is back on the F1 circuit and is quite frankly, the best circuit that the circus visits in the season. Spa is remembered for it's fast straights and even faster corners. Eau Rouge taken at speed is reportedly the greatest challenge any F1 driver can face.

Jordan return to Spa as one of the teams who have won a race here.  Jordan's impressive victory in 1998 was made even sweeter by the fact that the second placed driver was also driving a 198.  Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher secured a F1 first.  Jordan became the first ever F1 team to score it's maiden win with a 1-2 victory, dominating perhaps the most spectacular grand prix in recent history.

Jordan's achievements at this Belgian circuit don't stop there.  Michael Schumacher was given his first race in a Jordan here.  Rubens Barrichello scored the teams first pole position here and Giancarlo Fisichella was second here in 1997.  As you can guess, the team are hoping for further success this year.

“It’s superb to be going to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix, I think everybody really missed it last year and we are really excited about returning there for some exciting racing." said Eddie.  "It looks likely that Michael Schumacher will win his seventh Drivers’ Championship here which, if it happens, will be fitting as he had his F1 debut at this track with us thirteen years ago, and he won his first Grand Prix here the following year. This is a real “drivers” track which sorts the men from the boys and requires total commitment and confidence. We have great memories of this venue as a team, but this year we have to focus on our current challenge. We have made progress with our package during the season and will work as hard as we can to make the most of the last few races. Our team-work has paid off before and I’m hoping that with hard work and a little bit of Spa luck, we will get a decent result.“

James Robinson said: “It’s fantastic to be back at this circuit after missing out in 2003, as it is probably the ultimate drivers’ circuit on the Formula One calendar, one of the only remaining high speed, high ‘g’, ‘on the edge’ tracks. The weather is both a trial and an opportunity – it can change at any time from dry to wet and if you can benefit if you are ready. The race promises to be exciting - we expect overtaking and we expect to see the weather play a part. The bus stop section has been modified and we have heard reports from those who have raced there already that the change has removed an overtaking opportunity but we will have to wait and see if that is the case with F1 – hopefully not. We return to a medium downforce set-up, which we have not used since Canada, where we were more competitive. Spa can be a little bit about luck, with the weather and if anything unusual happens, but at Jordan we have historically been good at strategy calls so we are looking forward to the challenge.”

"Coming back to Spa is great for me and all the drivers because it is one of my favourite circuits." said Nick.  "I'm looking forward to it even more than usual because we had a break for one year. I enjoy driving there and I also like it that the weather is usually changeable as it makes the show better and interesting. You never know what's going to happen when you arrive in Spa.”

“I am very excited that F1 is going back to the Belgian Grand Prix." said Giorgio.  "For me, it is the best circuit in the world. To be back there in a Formula One car will be just fantastic."


25 Aug 2004 10:34