Overtaking at Spa

[Valve Bounce]

Can someone familiar with Spa please tell me what teh chances of overtaking are at Spa, and at which corners, if any, there may be. This is a serioius post (for once from me).

[Minardi fan]

Try La Source (go Damon!) and the Bus Stop - with a bit of luck we'll get a couple of cars side-by-side through Blanchimont as they fight for position up to the chicane. Also Kemmel - unseen on TV last year, Badoer overtook several cars along the straight.

[Jay]

Kemmel doesn't usually see much overtaking for position. It is rare that cars remain together coming out of Eau Rouge.

However it is possible to get a draft and make a move at Les Combes, the 2nd gear corner at the end of the straight.

If cars are close there is a slight chance at Rivage, but the cars have to be nose to gear box through Malmady.

La Source and the entry to the bus stop chicane are the best places to pass by far.

Unfortunately, the nature of the track tends to spread the field out quickly, so close racing is rare at Spa. Really the only hope we have of an exciting race is rain. Luckily, mothernature usually provides it .

[Valve Bounce]

THANKS GUYS!! NOW WHERE DO I GET TO HAVE A look at a good circuit plan? (Sorry for the caps again)

[Jay]

There are better track maps, but this shows the corners w/ labels:

[Valve Bounce]

Thanks for the map. Now I can follow what you have told me better. I really hope that TGF's Ferrari starts ahead of the Mclarens, and then the McLarens have to pass TGF during the race when his tyres start to go off. Something to look forward to.

[Mr.S]

Jay, were is that map from?

[Gerard]

Valve Bounce, why don't you visit http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/ and click on 'The Track.'
You can have several views on every corner of the track.

[Minardi fan]

Believe me, last year we were at Kemmel and there was a huge amount of overtaking going on along there. But of course it was all among the back of the field - the Prosts, Minardis, BAR's, Saubers and Benettons, so it wouldn't have got shown on TV... As ever.

[Jay]

The map is from http://www.f1-live.com

Although where Gerard said probably has a more detailed map.

[Mr.S]

OK, thanks.

[downforce]

Bustop!Bustop!...grrrr thats where Ralf gave up his maiden win for Hill(billy?)....
Anyways the cars getting outa shape @ Bustop is lovely to watch!

[Minardi fan]

In Saturday practice we were at the Bus Stop and Zonta span there.

[downforce]

...well Zonta can do that anywhere!!!

[Jay]

and usually in a big way...

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by Jay
There are better track maps, but this shows the corners w/ labels:

Yeah. Blanchiment is actually the double apex (as its shown) left hander before the busstop. Verrrrry scary.

[Gerryl]

La source at the start is your best bet. Last year we tried Pouhon and apart from one of the FIA Mercs taking to the sand nothing happened there.

Ger

[Valve Bounce]

Gerard, that site is superb. I have just checked it out, but I will spend much more time looking at the corners there on Sunday before the race.

[Valve Bounce]

Further to my last post, I have read three drivers description of their lap around Spa on autorace.com. It seems this weekend is all about Eau Rouge. Wish I can be there. Scotty!! Beam me up!!