Formula One: Honda prepares for challenges fo Spa Francorchamps circuit
23 August 2000
Round 13 of the FIA Formula One World Championship takes the teams to the longest track on the calendar, the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit, for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. Lucky Strike Reynard BAR Honda heads to the Ardennes region looking to reproduce the run of form that brought fourth place finishes in both France and Austria in early summer. As the Formula One season enters its final stages, the competition among the midfield teams and drivers is becoming intense. Behind the main championship contenders, the race is on to secure the best possible end of year positions that will determine next season's pit lane hierarchy. The particular requirements of the Belgian circuit call for maximum performance from all departments of the car - engine, aerodynamics, chassis and driver skill. In preparation for the coming weekend, BAR Honda last week spent three days at Mugello working on a number of factors that could prove critical this weekend. "We had a very successful test in Italy," confirms Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Technical Director of Honda Racing Development. "The characteristics of Mugello are actually quite similar to those of Spa, although the weather was probably hotter than it will be this weekend. The changes in gradient, the long straight and a good variety of corners gave us an opportunity to gather some important data. In general, we think that the circuits towards the end of the season should be well suited to the BAR Honda 002, so we will be optimistic of some good results before the end of the year." Spa-Francorchamps Spa has been the venue for 34 of the 46 Belgian Grands Prix to date, while Zolder (10) and Nivelles (2) hosted the event during the 1970s and early 1980s. The daunting circuit is generally rated to be one of the best on the calendar, plunging and climbing through fast corners, long straights and a tight chicane in the course of the longest lap of the season. The race is usually full of drama and incident, not least at the tight first corner, La Source, where opening lap incidents have become commonplace, or through the super-fast Eau Rouge, which Jacques Villeneuve attempted to take at full speed last year, with spectacular consequences. Adding to the challenging nature of the track, the weather conditions in the Ardennes region can be unpredictable and rain on the far side of the circuit can be contrasted by bright sunshine on the paddock. Honda in Belgium Spa has been a landmark circuit for Honda power over the years. In 1965, Richie Ginther finished sixth, claiming Honda's first ever World Championship point. Twenty-one years later, Nigel Mansell's victory for Williams clinched the first Constructors' Championship for Honda. A stunning 1-2 for the McLaren-Honda pairing of Senna and Prost wrapped up the 1988 constructors' title as early as round 11 and this was followed by another momentous occasion the following year. Again courtesy of Senna and Prost, Honda power completed a front row lockout, set the fastest lap of the race and completed yet another 1-2 finish to record Honda's 50th Grand Prix victory. Further wins for Senna in 1990 and 1991 confirmed the demanding Belgian circuit as one of Honda's favourites.