Spa-Francorchamps circuit de-mystified

POWER

The circuit is long and, in parts, uphill so requires high power and high speed. This feature is particularly useful for the Raidillon/Eau Rouge section and the uphill straight that follows.

SUSPENSION

Drivers don't have to climb the curbs to go fast. The suspension should also be calibrated to balance high speed with slower sequences. 

FRONT AERO

Flaps, or dive planes, as they are known, are needed to reduce understeer in fast corners. 

REAR WING

Fast corners should be favoured at the expense of slower ones and top speed. In other words, the angle of the rear wing must be higher than that used at Le Mans, similar to Silverstone.

TYRES

The weather is notorious for being unpredictable, with undulations around the 7km Spa track, set among the trees forests of the Ardennes. It is not uncommon that it will rain in only one part of the circuit and, under these conditions, making the right tyre choice is particularly difficult.

 BRAKES

Not as big an issue on this track as, say on a street circuit, and the key issue here is keeping them up to temperature for immediate effectiveness. There are three major braking zones: La Source hairpin, Les Combes and the Bus Stop. These places also offer the best opportunities for overtaking.