Changes to Spa for 2007 Belgian Grand Prix
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Spa Francorchamps, widely regarded as the best circuit in the world, has undergone some major improvements ready for its return to Formula One in September with the Belgian Grand Prix.
When the circuit was rebuilt in the 1970s, it was intended that as before, the section after Eau Rouge would be the pit area, but safety concerns forced a permanent pit location. As such it was placed just before La Source, leaving the unusually un-straight pit straight.
The other major change is at La Source. The hairpin has been moved further from the straight again, increasing its length. This will give the cars a longer run in to La Source, and could make it more of an overtaking opportunity.
The result of these changes are two-fold. Not only is the straight now straight, but Spa has got a new State of the Art pit complex. The old pits didn't have enough room for 12 Formula One teams, but the new ones do. Old derelict housing from its days as a street circuit have had to come down to make way for the improvements to the pit area.
The character of the circuit will remain much the same. The loss of the Bus Stop chicane is sad, but the new chicane promises to be much safer, and could even provide an overtaking opportunity.
The rest of the lap has remained unaltered. With more acceleration time from La Source to Eau Rouge, it will make it an even more challenging chicane than it previously was.
The only problem with the new Spa is its length. It was already the longest in Formula One quite comfortably at over 4.3 miles, but these latest changes have made it slightly longer still. This has plusses and minuses however. The length allows for time for marshalls to clear a car, for example. Conversely, it could lead to more danger due to the higher numbers of marshalls required.
These are the most substanital changes to Spa Francorchamps since its modern layout was first built. They have made it unquestionably the best circuit in the world. Formula One will only be too happy to link up with its old friend this September.
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