Zoom Rampf likes his Spa

With its unique and time-honoured characteristics, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of Formula One's favourite destinations. At over seven kilometres in length, the highly-rated venue is the longest track appearing on the calendar, and its straights and curves hold a definite appeal for drivers as well as fans.

Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber's Technical Director, can be counted among those looking forward to next week-end.s Belgian Grand Prix.

"Spa is one of the last natural circuits remaining in the calendar and therefore ranks among the classics. Most drivers love it, and for good reason," said Rampf.

"Eau Rouge is one of the most spectacular corners in Formula One, even though the V8 engines now allow it to be taken flat-out in dry conditions," he elaborated.

"Spa demands medium downforce, comparable to Montreal," Rampf continued, going into the details. "High aerodynamic efficiency is very important as you need a lot of downforce in the fast corners of the middle sector while at the same time requiring plenty of top speed for overtaking at the end of the long straights."

Finding the right settings on the car is always the basis of a good performance, but the tyres are another important element prone to be affected by the unpredictable climate of the Belgian Ardennes.

"A crucial factor will be how to exploit the tyre potential," Willy Rampf explained. "In Spa we use the two hardest compounds, which is a challenge particularly if air temperatures are low."

"The weather in Spa is always a big unknown as it can turn from one moment to the next, sometimes even within individual sections of the track," he remarked.

Daniel BASTIEN
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