16/07/2004
NEWS STORY
Readers that regularly peruse all the various team previews before each race, will be fully aware of the expressions; "few overtaking opportunities" and "limited opportunities for overtaking".
The forthcoming race at Spa Francorchamps, which makes a welcome return to the F1 calendar this year, has never suffered such problems as it known as a track where overtaking is possible. Until now.
Unfortunately recent revisions to the track mean that one of the classic overtaking areas has been re-profiled, consequently making such moves almost impossible.
The legendary 'bus stop' has been fully re-profiled and as a result drivers taking part in a recent test for the FIA GT Championship complained that the corner has lost its magic.
'Bus stop' has now been re-shaped and consequently the drivers don't need to attack the kerbs with the same venom as before, furthermore the approach to the entrance of the corner is no longer a straight run.
According to several highly-experienced GT racers, including Jorg Muller and Uwe Alzen, the corner has been "destroyed" as far as overtaking opportunities are concerned.