Formula One news

BMW excited about 'sensational' Spa

BMW-Sauber drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld are looking forward to this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix as Formula One heads towards the Ardennes for its annual pilgrimage to Spa-Francorchamps. After scoring a point in Valencia on Sunday, courtesy of the former, both men know that anything can happen at the next race.

Robert Kubica finished sixth at Spa-Francorchamps last season

With the trek from Spain to Belgium needing to be completed by team truck drivers between Sunday and Thursday, Robert Kubica will fly to Belgium with the knowledge that an unexpected eighth place and single World Championship point was picked up at the European Grand Prix.

"We are heading to the final stage of the season, which offers a lot of nice tracks, beginning with Spa-Francorchamps," said the Pole, who has no home Grand Prix at present. "It is a race track with a great history. Most of the drivers like driving there; the circuit is very long with a lot of challenging high-speed corners.

In 2008, third place became second for Heidfeld after Lewis Hamilton's penalty

"Finding the right balance is one crucial factor at Spa, which is quite difficult. The weather is always unpredictable and mostly changeable - it might be dry on some parts of the track and it might rain heavily on others! Driving at Spa is challenging and it is always exciting."

Team-mate Nick Heidfeld is equally enthusiastic. "Spa is a sensational race track," he said. "The 2008 race was one of my best ever. I was running in the points and decided shortly before the end of the race to switch onto wet weather tyres; it turned out to be a spot-on decision and put me eventually into second.

"Sudden changes in the weather can have a decisive effect at this Grand Prix - even if it's hot all over Europe, there might still be torrential rain at Spa. Plus, Spa is only an hour or so from Mönchengladbach by car so this race always gives me the chance to make a quick visit back to my old home town."

more news

• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn

Homepage