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2004 Season Formula One World Championship Belgian Grand Prix - Preview Quotes
Ferrari
Michael Schumacher: Spa has always been special for me. I am very happy to see the Belgian GP back on the calendar. This race seems to be linked to my career in some way. I have enjoyed some fantastic moments here and so I can only express my delight that I can race on the track again. Spa preserves the features of the old style circuits, ones that are very different from modern tracks. Even if today's single-seaters have made the circuit a little easier, it is still a challenge. Driving the perfect line here, especially in some stretches, is just thrilling. It is not coincidental that generations of drivers have raved about Eau Rouge!
Rubens Barrichello: I am looking forward to returning to Spa as it is a fantastic circuit. I hope they have just made a few modifications to some of the high speed sections in the interest of safety. Apart from that, driving there is a phenomenal sensation. I am sure we can have a good weekend as our car seems to go well at every type of track. But we will have to wait and see how the weekend develops. In Hungary, we had a tyre that really made the difference in our favour, but Formula 1 technology never sleeps and there are so many people fighting for second place in the Constructors' Championship, that I am sure they will be working hard to provide strong competition. We have to keep on working, even though the car is fantastic and seems to get better and better. Knowing what the weather can be like in this part of the world, we might even get the opportunity to see what our car is like in the wet. I am confident we have made progress with the whole package in this area, but we have not had the chance to find out yet this season, how we match up to the opposition. I hope we still have the advantage.
Jean Todt
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro arrives at the Belgian Grand Prix having already reached the objectives it set itself at the start of the season. Two weeks ago in Budapest, we took the Constructors' title for the fourteenth time in our history, the sixth consecutively. A Ferrari driver is also certain of taking the Drivers' Championship crown for the fourteenth time. The one-two result in Budapest was very emotional and we chose to celebrate it the following day in Fiorano, along with president Montezemolo and the entire Gestione Sportiva. However, meeting our goals with five races in hand does not mean we will slacken our efforts over the remaining rounds of the longest ever Formula 1 season. We want to continue with our winning ways, well aware that our rivals will do all in their power to bring it to an end. As usual, we will be able to count on amazing technical partners, first and foremost, Bridgestone and Shell. Budapest was a prime example of the importance of the support we get from the Japanese company and we are happy to share the happiness of doing the double yet again with them and our other sponsors and suppliers. After a two year break, it is a great pleasure to return to race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which is, in my opinion, the greatest on the Formula 1 calendar. This track is very hard on the cars and drivers and the rapidly changing weather conditions could well be an important consideration. Finally, this Sunday's event has special significance for the Scuderia as it represents our seven hundredth participation in a Grand Prix counting towards the Formula 1 World Championship. Reaching this point having already won both titles is a further cause for pride and satisfaction, coming as it does after reaching the goals we set ourselves at the start of the year.
Williams
Juan Pablo Montoya: It's great to have the Belgian Grand Prix back on the calendar. I regard it as one of my favourite tracks, fast, challenging and very demanding on the drivers, so it will be good to race again there. I have heard the last chicane is not as good as it was before, but we'll wait and see what it's like when we get there. With respect to our performance, our package has always worked pretty well at Spa and generally we have qualified near the front and had a couple of podium finishes.
We haven't had much wet running during Grand Prix weekends this season, but if there's a circuit where this could turn around, it's definitely Spa and rain will be little help to us. Our new aero package proved successful in Hungary, so we are now looking forward to going well in Belgium.
Antônio Pizzonia: I have good memories of Spa, where I've raced four times in different formulae, including Formula Renault, F3 and F3000. The best was definitely in 2000, when I became British F3 Champion, having finished the race in second place. I spent the week after the Hungarian Grand Prix at home in Monaco, training hard in preparation for this race. Spa is a very special place, so I can't wait to drive a Formula One car around it.
I don't think Eau Rouge is as challenging as it used to be, though, because Formula One cars have so changed much. We have such a huge amount of downforce now, and the tyres have improved so much, I think everyone pretty much goes flat out around it.
Sam Michael (WilliamsF1 Chief Operations Engineer)
Spa is one of the great circuits of Formula One racing and it's fantastic to have the Grand Prix back on the calendar again. With the aero and tyre developments made since we last raced there, watching the cars going through Eau Rouge and Blanchimont will be impressive. There has also been a change to the circuit at the last “Bus Stop” corner which will slow the cars down slightly. The set-up is not geared towards high downforce, but it's important to have stability through the medium speed flowing corners as the car makes its way back from the far part of the circuit. Changing weather conditions can play havoc as it can sometimes rain on one part of the circuit, but not the other.
We will have some more aerodynamic developments on the FW26's bodywork, particularly around the winglet and cooling chimney area, a result of the on-going wind tunnel programme. We have also been working hard to improve our starts for the Belgium Grand Prix, Antonio Pizzonia recently completed another shakedown at Silverstone to this end. Ralf has not been cleared to drive yet, so Antonio will once again be driving for us at Spa. Our strong partnership with Michelin has enabled us to precisely calculate the tyre compound and casing requirements for Spa. This is particularly impressive given the changes to the surface, and indeed to the car, since we were last at the track.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)
We are very much looking forward to the race at Spa. The slightly austere track, set in such a natural location, is a tremendous challenge for the drivers. The roller-coaster circuit, which measures nearly seven kilometres, offers plenty of scope for a variety of racing lines and consequently wheel-to-wheel action. Fromthat point of view, it boasts many of the pre-requisites for a great Formula One event, which should create a more exciting show for the spectators than the last Grand Prix in Hungary.
In Belgium, we are aiming to further increase our competitiveness. Although the on-going testing ban is not exactly helping us with the continued development of the car, the race in Hungary demonstrated that the new nose and improved start performance have met our expectations. Both are foundations upon which we can build. The forthcoming Grands Prix in Belgium and Italy pose particular challenges for the BMW P84 engine. At Spa, this is primarily due to the gradients, while in Monza it will be the long straight, which invokes the highest, full-throttle percentage on the Grand Prix calendar.
McLaren
David Coulthard: The Belgian Grand Prix is a clear favourite for the drivers, teams and fans alike. It is an event packed with history, atmosphere, a legendary circuit, and it is great to be back. My victory here in 1999 is without a doubt a highlight of my career. Spa is a fantastic challenge to drive with numerous exciting corners separated by long, fast straights. This includes perhaps the most famous corner in motorsport, the flat out climbing right hander of Eau Rouge, which demands total commitment. It is vital to be fast through here to take maximum speed onto the sweeping section of track that leads to Les Combes, as this is a potential overtaking opportunity if you were able to carry the pace at Eau Rouge. Other corners that stand out include the left of Blanchimont, which is again taken flat out, and the double apex of Pouhon. In preparation for the race, some additional modifications have been made to the Bus Stop chicane, with safety in mind. The entry has moved to the right to allow for a larger run off area, with some additional re-profiling to the second section of the chicane. This has traditionally been an overtaking opportunity, so it will be interesting to see if it has affected this in any way.
Kimi Räikkönen: Of course Hungary was disappointing for me and the team, but you can't look backwards in motorsport and it only makes us more determined at the next event. I have only had the opportunity to race at Spa on two occasions during my career, and both times I enjoyed driving the circuit as its nature demands that you push the limits to the maximum, with certain corners such as Eau Rouge where you are completely flat out. The circuit is the ultimate test of driving and also the car, as it's very demanding and requires the maximum from every part of the car. Spa is the longest circuit we race at by over a kilometre, and it's this length and sweeping fast corners that really let you build up a flowing rhythm. The only downside is the unpredictable weather, it can start raining with no warning or it will be wet conditions on one side of the track and dry on the other, which can make for some interesting events.
Martin Whitmarsh (CEO Formula One, West Mclaren Mercedes)
Our performance was not at the required level in Hungary as a result of our tyre choice. However we believe that Spa Francorchamps is a circuit that will play to the strengths of our current package. With its fast, sweeping characteristics it is very different in nature from the Hungaroring's tight and twisty feel. Spa is renowned for high rates of attrition and offers a long lap, with technical corners and a relatively low grip surface that sees us use a medium to low downforce configuration. The event has particular significance to the team, as it was at Spa in 1968 that founder Bruce McLaren took the first Formula One World Championship victory for the marque.
Norbert Haug (Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport)
The Ardennes circuit of Spa Francorchamps features a number of medium fast and very fast corners and is extremely challenging for the drivers and the team in terms of set up work. On the 2004 calendar Spa presents one of the most demanding tasks for the drivers as well as the teams, and on a dry track Formula One will set new records with regard to lap times and speeds. Especially Eau Rouge, the fast uphill right hand bend requires a perfect set up of the car to take enough speed onto the following long straight. Spa is, after Monza, the second fastest circuit in terms of the average speed and with about 64 percent of full throttle per lap it is also second after the Italian track in this respect. The weather always plays an important role. Rain showers are less surprising as they are the order of the day.
BAR
Jenson Button: I am excited about returning to race at Spa. The circuit has a lot of history and I think it is every Formula One driver's favourite track. It has great high speed corners and a complex of good slow speed corners as well. Although Ferrari has won the constructors, the competition is still strong for the remaining places in the championship. I am looking forward to the race and to hopefully gaining some more all important points for the team.
Takuma Sato: I am really looking forward to Spa because it is such a great circuit to drive with a fast car. The track is very dynamic and suits F1 cars perfectly. Also, I have a lot of good memories of Spa from my previous Formula Three races there and it is great to see it back on the F1 calendar. After Hockenheim and Hungary where our pace was back up to where it should be, I am hoping and expecting us to have another strong performance in Spa.
David Richards (Team Principal)
The team did an excellent job in Hungary two weeks ago in difficult circumstances and demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism. Everyone is very motivated by our strength relative to the immediate competition and with the resumption of testing after Spa, the hard work continues to maintain the momentum we have shown throughout the season. With five races still remaining there is a great deal to play for.
Craig Wilson (Chief Race Engineer)
After a solid two car points finish in Budapest that saw us make a little more progress relative to our competitors, we return to Spa following its absence from the 2003 calendar. It is one of the last few proper tracks with a good combination of slow, medium and fast corners together with long 'straights' and gradients, requiring a medium downforce set-up and mechanically balancing the cornering grip against accommodating the track undulations. The 'Bus-Stop' chicane and pit-lane entry have been re-profiled and parts of the track have been re-surfaced; therefore not all of our data from Spa in 2002 is relevant for our preparation for the race this year. We shall utilise some of the free practice session time to make adjustments to the cars for the revised track and for working towards our race strategy assessment as well as the normal tyre evaluation work for the race.
Shuhei Nakamoto (Engineering Director, Honda Racing Development)
We're all really looking forward to racing at Spa again; it's a great circuit and was definitely missed by a lot of people last year. It was encouraging to score another solid two-car points finish at the Hungaroring and we aim to build on that in Spa to keep the pressure on Renault for second place in the championship.
Sauber
Giancarlo Fisichella: Spa is, of course, one of my favourite circuits, and I think my style suits it very well. I love the variety; it has lots of different kinds of corner, and the best is Eau Rouge. That is very difficult to take flat. In qualifying it usually is, though not always, and this year that will depend on the weight of fuel you decide to carry. I was second there on my debut in 1997, to Michael, and third with the Renault in 2001, and I believe that there is a chance on this circuit for the driver's talent to make a difference. That makes it a very satisfying track on which to drive. I'm really happy that it is back on the calendar, because it is a more complete circuit than any other.
Felipe Massa: I raced at Spa in 2002, which was the first time I ever went there. It's a fabulous circuit! I'm so happy that it's back. For sure it's been changed just a little since I was last there, but the very quick corners remain the same. You don't run too much downforce so the car feels like it is dancing. You really know you are a racing driver when you are there. I have never raced anywhere that is better. In 2002 here I was running seventh and then had an engine problem, but it was one of my best races. I think we can be strong. The SAUBER PETRONAS C23 has very good speed and there are characteristics that Spa shares with Silverstone. If you look at our performance at Silverstone this should work in our favour. Eau Rouge is of course the best corner for me anywhere in the world, and it should be flat although it wasn't for us in 2002.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director)
Spa-Francorchamps has a large variety of corners and is such a high-speed circuit; that is what makes it great and why it poses a big challenge not only to the drivers but also to the engineers. On the one hand you have the La Source hairpin, at the start of the lap. This is taken at only 60 kph. But then you have corners such as Blanchimont, on the final leg, which is taken at more than 300 kph. Between these two, complicating this compromise further, there is Eau Rouge at the bottom of the fast downhill plunge from La Source. It is a very demanding corner and requires complete commitment from the driver. But the car must also have excellent handling balance. The problem of Eau Rouge is not just that it is taken flat-out by some drivers, but also that the car bottoms out as it reaches the lowest part of the corner just prior to the dramatic uphill sweep at Raidillion. Despite this remarkable difference in maximum and minimum speeds the overall lap speed average is around 230 kph in qualifying, and cars may see as much as 350 kph in places. This is why the mechanical and aerodynamic set-up must take into account the absolute need for stability in the very fast and medium-speed corners, and also the need for mechanical traction to deal with the slower parts of the course such as the Bus Stop Chicane, which has been slightly relocated this year, and La Source. We will run a bespoke, medium-downforce aerodynamic package for Spa, developed from the set-up we used in Montreal but incorporating all of the important steps we have taken since then. Finally, you also have to take into account the notoriously fickle weather conditions in the Hautes Fagnes region, which can completely upset all of your careful calculations.
Jaguar
Mark Webber: It's really good to be heading back to Spa for the next race. This circuit has so much history and it's a track that I enjoy racing at. I have raced there many times before in lots of different formula, from Ford, F3, F3000 and F1. I was first there in an F1 car with Minardi in 2002. It's an amazing circuit and the speeds are incredible making driving an F1 car fantastic. I think that the speeds we will be reaching this year will be even greater than in the past and this will surely make watching it for the spectators something special. The weather at this track plays a big part in the weekend and can really keep you busy with your tyre and strategy decisions. Being within the mountains means that we can start the day with a wet track and two hours later it's hot and dry. Choice of tyres are as always crucial to our overall race weekend so we will be spending a lot of time on Friday getting to grips with these. I understand that they have slightly modified the Bus-stop chicane so it will be interesting to see if this slows us down a bit. I am looking forward to the eau rouge corner in particular, it's so fast and that's what makes driving an F1 car through it so much fun.
Christian Klien: I have raced at Spa before so this is really good for me going into this race weekend. I was actually there with the Formula Renault European Championship two years ago and I loved it. I remember it well and I am really keen to get back out there and try it in a Formula One car. The track is really challenging and the thing that I think will strike me most are the speeds that we will be reaching in the R5. Not only has it got very high-speed corners, but the track itself if very long at just over 6km. In order for me to understand the track as much as possible before I arrive there I am spending time with my engineers in Milton Keynes and try to see as much data as possible. Since the track is also going to be quite physically demanding I have been training in London with the team physio. Being prepared both physically and mentally is crucial to getting the most out of the car over the weekend. We need some points this weekend and I would love to score my first ones here.
Björn Wirdheim: Spa is an amazing track and one that for me holds a lot of passion and history. I first experienced the circuit when I was racing in my first year with F3000. I also tested there quite a lot so I feel quite comfortable with the layout and what to expect. It really is a driver's circuit, one where the driver can honestly make the difference. Having the mental focus to go through eau rouge at top speed is not for the faint hearted. Although I have never raced there in a Formula One car I am sure that it is going to be an amazing experience if not also a very challenging one. I will be spending most of Friday focusing on the tyres and trying to help the team make a decision ahead of qualifying. I understand from the team that the weather can cause a few problems there so I am keeping my fingers crossed for some dry conditions. Michelin have been strong here in the past so I am keen to see how we do this weekend.
David Pitchforth (Managing Director)
With only five races to go before the end of the season we have been focusing very hard on making the most of our R5 package and fine tuning the car to ensure that we can capitalise on any points opportunities. We enjoyed a good reliable weekend in Hungary but we need to be scoring points as well as finishing the race. Mark, Christian and Bjorn were all at the factory here in Milton Keynes last week and they seem more motivated then ever and very committed to scoring some points for the team. The R5 continues to have a competitive pace on track and we are pleased with the good relationships that we have with our tyre partners, Michelin and of course our engine provider, Cosworth Racing. Michelin continue to provide us with strong tyre compounds and the engine has proved its reliability over recent races. Looking ahead to this weekend in Spa I am excited about seeing the car on track at this remarkable and exciting circuit. I know that all three drivers know this track and enjoy it so I am sure that we are going to see some fast times and also a strong competitive race on Sunday.
Mark Gillan (Head of Vehicle Performance)
This marks a return for us to a track where when we last raced we finished 6th. Since 2002 when we were last there, there have been a few circuit changes but I am not expecting things to be dramatically different. The track requires medium down-force from the car and the balance is all important. Despite the medium down-force you also need quite a bit of front wing due to the ride heights that are set to avoid excessive grounding. The weather will play a large part in the weekend and although we would like a dry weekend, with the mountains surrounding us, there is always some rain to liven things up. There is no doubt that this is one of the fastest tracks on the calendar, I think this is why the drivers love it so much. However, with speed comes attrition so we will be looking to have an error–free weekend and two cars finishing the race on Sunday. The circuit is also quite hard on the tyres, meaning that Michelin will be working with us very closely to ensure that we can produce the best package ahead of qualifying and the race. The R5 has had a slightly modified aero package for this weekend and the engine also continues to be developed and fine-tuned ahead of the remaining races. Looking back briefly to Hungary, we learnt a lot from the race and in particular on tyremanagement and will be taking this additional information with us to Spa in the hope that not only will the cars be finishing, but they will be scoring points as they cross the line.
Toyota
Ricardo Zonta: Like many F1 drivers, I find Spa-Francorchamps one of the most challenging and enjoyable circuits on the calendar. At almost seven kilometres in length, it easily produces the longest lap of the year, one filled with many technically demanding sections. Spa really highlights the strengths and weaknesses of all drivers and cars. I think our TF104B package will adapt itself well to the medium-high speed track characteristics and I hope we will have a good chance of scoring some points this weekend. Spa is unique and one of the few circuits that are difficult to replicate at test sessions, especially tyre wear. As a result, Friday's practice sessions will be very important, but after a difficult race debut in Hungary, I am much morerelaxed and ready to show what we can do in Belgium.
Olivier Panis: Ricardo and I had a good day with the team in Cologne last weekend, participating in the Toyota City Grand Prix, where I drove the TF103 and Ricardo took the TF104 through the streets of Cologne. It was an incredible atmosphere and a nice opportunity to give something back to the fans for all their support. We now enter the Belgian Grand Prix, which I hope will mark a turnaround of fortunes for Toyota. It's no secret that I think Spa is the best track on the F1 calendar. I believe that the circuit's long, fast nature should suit our TF104B and play to the strengths of our powerful RVX-04 engine. It also means that there are quite a few different strategies that work around Spa, so it should make for an exciting race.
Ryan Briscoe: I was highly satisfied with my first taste of an F1 weekend in Hungary two weeks' ago and I can't wait to step up a gear in free practice for the Belgian GP. Unlike most F1 drivers, I had the chance to race at Spa-Francorchamps last year in a one-off event for me in the British Formula 3 championship. I thought it was a fantastic circuit then, but it must be amazing in an F1 car! The Hungarian GP was a good inauguration for me into the race team, but I feel that I am better prepared for Spa. As a team, our job in Friday practice will determine how we fare for the rest of the weekend with even more emphasis placed on selecting the best tyre compound and finding the best car set-up.
Tsutomu Tomita (Team Principal)
We introduced our TF104B car at the German GP two races ago and we also implemented driver and personnel changes for the last event in Hungary, but I really think that Spa will be best place to really assess the performance of these recent revisions to the whole Toyota package. Belgium is also the home of Toyota Motor Corporation's European headquarters, so we will benefit from the additional support of many Toyota family guests. With five races remaining of the 2004 season, we will do our best to score points. I am confident that this trend will begin at Spa.
Mike Gascoyne (Technical Director Chassis)
It is great to have the Belgian Grand Prix back on the calendar. Spa-Francorchamps is a circuit that offers drivers and engineers a unique technical challenge. We have some small aero improvements this weekend, which will enable us to run with reduced downforce settings, as we try to balance grip in the corners with straight-line speed. Spa is the type of circuit at which we have been more competitive this season, so we will have to continue to build upon the improvements we have made recently with the TF104B to ensure that we begin to see some tangible results in the last five races of the season.
Jordan
Nick Heidfeld: Coming back to Spa is great for me and all the drivers because it is one of my favourite circuits. I'm looking forward to it even more than usual because we had a break for one year. I enjoy driving there and I also like it that the weather is usually changeable as it makes the show better and interesting. You never know what's going to happen when you arrive in Spa.
Giorgio Pantano: I am very excited that F1 is going back to the Belgian Grand Prix. For me, it is the best circuit in the world. To be back there in a Formula One car will be just fantastic.
Eddie Jordan (Chief Executive)
It's superb to be going to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix, I think everybody really missed it last year and we are really excited about returning there for some exciting racing. It looks likely that Michael Schumacher will win his seventh Drivers' Championship here which, if it happens, will be fitting as he had his F1 debut at this track with us thirteen years ago, and he won his first Grand Prix here the following year. This is a real “drivers” track which sorts the men from the boys and requires total commitment and confidence. We have great memories of this venue as a team, but this year we have to focus on our current challenge. We have made progress with our package during the season and will work as hard as we can to make the most of the last few races. Our team-work has paid off before and I'm hoping that with hard work and a little bit of Spa luck, we will get a decent result.
James Robinson (Head of Race and Test Engineering)
It's fantastic to be back at this circuit after missing out in 2003, as it is probably the ultimate drivers' circuit on the Formula One calendar, one of the only remaining high speed, high 'g', 'on the edge' tracks. The weather is both a trial and an opportunity – it can change at any time from dry to wet and if you can benefit if you are ready. The race promises to be exciting - we expect overtaking and we expect to see the weather play a part. The bus stop section has been modified and we have heard reports from those who have raced there already that the change has removed an overtaking opportunity but we will have to wait and see if that is the case with F1 – hopefully not. We return to a medium downforce set-up, which we have not used since Canada, where we were more competitive. Spa can be a little bit about luck, with the weather and if anything unusual happens, but at Jordan we have historically been good at strategy calls so we are looking forward to the challenge.