30-07-2006 Formula One Betting - Here Comes the Belgians

It is a familiar joke at the country’s expense to ask someone to name five famous Belgians. Belgium may have a low-profile but probably the biggest event in its sporting calendar is the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where with only a couple of exceptions, the race has consistently been held since 1985. Just as Belgian chocolate is the favourite for fans of the confectionary, out of the entire F1 calendar the Belgian circuit is the one most drivers and a great many fans rate as their favourite.

Formula One Betting Preview - Round 14: Spa Francorchamps
The popularity of Spa-Francorchamps stems from its beautiful scenery – situated in the picturesque Ardennes Forest – and the unique challenges of its distinctive design. The circuit boasts a wide range of corners from challenging barely-flat out sweeps to tight hairpins, the tightest being La Source, which slows drivers out of the opening straight. Notable among the numerous chicanes, is the awesome Eau Rouge which has been likened to taking the second exit at a roundabout!

The cars dive into the corner downhill, almost bottoming out as they change direction at the 180mph apex before charging up the other side. For spectators this is one of the greatest spectacles in motor sport and has to be seen to be believed. The G-Forces in action at the bend are enough to send cars airborne and flip them over, even if negotiated correctly.

Another of Spa-Francorchamps idiosyncrasies is its propensity for unpredictable weather. It is not unusual for drivers to experience wildly conflicting weather conditions along the 4.3 mile length of the course, with rain presenting a very particular hazard. Heavy downpours are common and the steep gradients of the course have produced water hazards in the shape of rivulets running across the track.

Prior to the safety upgrades in 1983 the track was deemed too dangerous for F1, but has since become the Belgian Grand Prix’s permanent home. The form-guide is however missing a result for 2006 when the existing event organiser went bankrupt, unable to make required track improvements. Thankfully, a new financial backer funded the 18.85million euro renovation completed as recently as May 2007, which will provide new challenges to seasoned pros and those Spa-Francorchamps virgins.

Power is important on the track with its long fast sections and many hills to climb, but a compromise has to be struck on set up to make the most around the medium-speed bends. Given the challenges the Spa circuit presents, it is a course where the driver can really make a difference, even if his machinery is not quite up to scratch, and it has been the making (and breaking) of drivers’ careers. Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen - winner in 2004 & 2005 with McLaren - have all recorded memorable wins at the track.

Fernando Alonso is a notable omission from the role of honour. Michael Schumacher made his debut here in 1991, and caused an immediate stir by qualifying seventh in an uncompetitive Jordan, although the car lasted only a few hundred yards in the race before breaking down. The following year the German scored the first of his 91 career wins at the circuit. Lewis Hamilton will be looking to make a similar impact on his debut at the course, which could provide another footnote in a remarkable first season in Formula One.

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