Special memories from Spa: Phil Hanson
In the run-up to the FIA WEC’s return to racing at Spa-Francorchamps which will be held behind closed doors next month (13-15 August), we spoke to various drivers to find out some of their favourite things about the legendary Belgian circuit.
First in our series is United Autorsport’s Phil Hanson who recounts his earliest memory of Spa…
“My first test in Europe was actually at Spa in a car in GT3 Audi R8 back when I was 16 and still karting. It was a typically mixed conditioned track but I remember being in awe of the undulations.”
He went on to add: “Last year’s LMP2 ELMS win definitely has to be my favourite memory. It came after my most disappointing weekend that year with a double DNF at Silverstone during the WEC/ELMS double header. The win was made even more sweet due to a puncture three quarters of the way through the race after leading from the start. But the team brought us back into contention at the end with a gamble on strategy, hunting down the leader nearly 20 seconds ahead.”
Spa is made up of some many iconic corners, but what is Phil’s favourite section of the circuit?
“Although Eau Rouge is the most unique corner on the circuit, I would have to say the second sector is my favourite section as there is a rhythm to the corners as you descend down the hill… Key to the perfect lap is having a good feeling for the grip available, and crucially not making a mistake as a lot of the corners are set up by your exit of the corner before.”
Finally, we asked Phil if he could race against any other driver at Spa (dead or alive), who would it be and why? “I never know how to answer these questions,” admits Phil, before concluding: “Maybe the early nineties during Michael Schumacher’s dominant years. More so to be able to drive the V12 engine F1 cars.”
Click HERE to view the provisional timetable for the TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and HERE for the entry list.
