Formula One news

Ferrari designer expects stronger form at Spa

In Monza, every team ran a circuit-specific aerodynamic package, but in fact the aerodynamic performance of the car is even more important at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit which returns to the F1 calendar this weekend after a two year break. At least that is the opinion of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro's Chief Designer, Nikolas Tombazis. 

"Generally speaking, Spa is the type of circuit where the performance difference between the cars gets amplified," Tombazis said. "Compared to the circuits where we have been quite strong, Spa has actually got a lower level of downforce, so cars have higher top speeds with less downforce. But nonetheless, in common with the tracks that appear to have suited us, Spa also has some very high speed corners, which do stress the tyres quite a lot and that, for us is a positive aspect. Furthermore, with long straights there is also a high emphasis on engine power here. I think all in all, I am hopeful we can be quite competitive here with the F2007." 

However, at 7km, fractionally longer than it used to be because of the small changes to the layout, Spa is quite different to the majority of the circuits, so a clear picture of the pecking order between the teams is hard to predict and only after the free practice sessions will a general trend begin to show. 

"But I am reasonably optimistic that it will suit the strong points of our car," reckons Tombazis. "We were looking not too bad when we had our first ever Spa test session back in July. However, the cars have evolved since then and therefore it's difficult to know exactly which of two teams - ourselves and our nearest rivals - has made the most progress since then. But I am reasonably optimistic."

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