Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel explains why Spa is one of his favourite tracks: “Impossible not to love Spa” | 2019 Belgian GP. Seb explains why Spa is one of his favourite tracks.

After three weekends in a row without a Formula 1 race, the wait is almost over as we prepare to get back to action at the Belgian Grand Prix. When it comes to asking anyone about their favourite F1 circuit, whether they’re a fan, a driver or a team member, Spa-Francorchamps is a name that will regularly crop up. The longest track on the calendar is also one of the greatest, and provides an all-round test of an F1 car.

Iconic corners such as Eau Rouge/Raidillon and Pouhon are spectacular, with the former seeing the cars descend rapidly from La Source – the first corner – before climbing steeply uphill and over a blind crest.

Not only is it a real challenge, it’s a venue that can also provide plenty of overtaking, with drivers able to slipstream from the top of the hill all the way along the Kemmel Straight until the Les Combes chicane, or similarly follow closely through Blanchimont for a chance to pass under braking for the Bus Stop chicane at the end of the lap.

Scuderia Ferrari German driver Sebastian Vettel previews the next round and explains why he loves the event in Belgium: “Spa-Francorchamps is a legendary track and definitely one of my favourites. It is very special with all its climbs and drops and with much of the track running more or less through the forest. Of course, over time, this circuit has also changed a lot, as indeed have the cars that we drive. I remember the first time I raced here in Formula 1 and compared to back then, some of the corners are easier now, because we have more aero downforce on the cars. The uphill esses at Eau Rouge can now be taken flat out, but it is still unique, while corners like Pouhon and Blanchimont are also spectacular.” – Sebastian explained.

“You have to get a perfect exit out of Eau Rouge to have as much speed as possible on the run down to Les Combes, where you can overtake thanks to the slipstream effect as long as you have the gear ratios just right. From Pouhon onwards, the circuit is just wonderful as you press down on the accelerator all the way to the Bus Stop, which is another realistic point to try and overtake. Once you know it, it’s impossible not to love Spa.” – Scuderia Ferrari German driver Sebastian Vettel concluded.