Vettel and Co in Spa with courage to the roller coaster of the Ardennes

The route: The longest course in the racing calendar is just over seven kilometers long, exactly it is 7,004. The drivers love the track, because it does not just demand the highest driving skills, but also a lot of courage. For example, in the legendary Eau Rouge. A valley, then 18 percent gradient and the certainty, not to know what is waiting for the cat. Because the roller coaster course with his up and down is still so long, it can already come to the extent weather in the region that it is wet in certain sections, in others still dry.

The location: Forest and nature as far as the eye can reach. The route is located in the middle of the Ardennes. She was built in the 1920s, then practically the three streets, which combined Spa-Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot, formed the course. Until 1970 in Formula 1 was driven on a twice as long as variant as now. In 1979 the shortened course was opened, 1983 the Formula 1 returned. The marginal location has always made the course for German fans a popular Grand Prix destination. On this Sunday, 75,000 spectators may be there despite Corona Pandemic.

The statistics: Most victories get Michael Schumacher. 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002, the meanwhile 52-year-old won on the track, with which he almost associates him a magical relationship – with some milestones of his career. Rank two of the most Spa triumph is located Ayrton Senna, from the current riders won in Belgium Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton each four times. Sebastian Vettel made it very forward three times.

The unforgotten race: It would be unfair to sell out only one. Michael Schumacher alone has experienced so many unforgettable moments, from the first formula 1 race, over the first victory, and more. Legendary is undoubtedly the Grand Prix 1998. Rain and a Ferrari on three wheels. Schumacher crashed David Coulthard on the car, the Scot later acknowledged his mistake years later. Unforgettable, how a Fuchsteufelswilder Schumacher stormed towards Coulthard.

That’s how it ran in the previous year: On the way to his seventh World Cup title, Lewis Hamilton was unstoppable. With a great advantage, the Briton won in front of his stall rival Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes. Max Stappen also made it to the podium in the Red Bull as a third. Sebastian Vettel missed as 13. the points.

Fangio, Schumacher, Vettel – Impressions from 71 years Formula 1