Preview – F2 Round 10 – Spa-Francorchamps
Hot on the heels of the Hungaroring is Round 10 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on 26-28 July, an altogether different challenge in terms of circuit characteristics and track conditions. It is also a home race for driver no. 16, Amaury Cordeel, who heralds from Temse in the north of the country.
There’s been no time to waste dwelling on a disappointing Feature Race outcome at the last event – we focus on the positives, jump straight back in the car and ‘go again’. This is the last round before the summer break so it’s important to maintain the momentum. The pace is good, we’re securing pole positions and points, so it’s all about regaining the consistency that saw seven consecutive podium finishes earlier in the season.
The drivers returned to our UK HQ after Hungary for an intensive two days of preparation in the Hitech Performance simulator and gym, to ensure they are well prepared for the challenges of the historic Belgian GP venue. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is 7.004km in length and has more than 100m of elevation change. Compared with the relatively slow nature of the turns at the Hungaroring, this track is all about the medium and high-speed stuff. Many of the corners have been resurfaced since last year’s event, and consequently this should contribute to an increase in overall grip.
While Budapest was typically hot, the weather in the Ardennes region can be a little more temperamental. Past races have witnessed both scorching temperatures and torrential downpours – often during the same weekend!
For Paul Aron, there will be even more emphasis on a strong qualifying performance as he carries two five-place grid penalties into the Sprint, so he will want to make the most of the Feature Race. Hadjar outscored the Estonian by only two points, which takes the margin between the two from 16 to 18, but still keeps Paul’s title hopes alive with five rounds and 10 race opportunities remaining. As we’ve seen in recent rounds, and as is very much the nature of Formula 2, the weather, safety car interventions and red flags can quickly change the complexion of a race, so it will be important to prepare for every eventuality and make the most of any opportunity to progress through the field.
Amaury Cordeel’s ever-improving form will also play a critical role over the coming rounds and the support of his home crowd and an array of family and friends will provide an additional boost.
Friday 26 July
11:05 Free Practice
16:00 Qualifying session
Saturday 27 July
14:15 Sprint Race (18 Laps)
Sunday 28 July
10:00 Feature Race (25 Laps)
Grid set by reversing Top 12 of Qualifying Results
All times local
