RACE 11 & 12 PREVIEWS

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK SET TO MIX UP THE GRID



Above: New kids on the block - Better Late Than Last

So as the crews head into the second half of the season, the grid is joined by new kids on the block, Better Late Than Last, in the Sauber with drivers Pacific Fox and Thermal Richie D at the wheel. Too late to mount any challenges in either the drivers or team titles but they will certainly mix it up with Pacific Fox saying "Were not here to make up the numbers. Were here to show what we can do and put a marker down for season 5". DantheMan still heads the pack but Bannibino and R0ckeye are breathing down his exhaust pipe.

So with 3 different winners at both Hungary and Spa, lets look at what the teams can expect................

RACE 11 - HUNGARY

Previous Winners:

Season 1 = R0ckeye
Season 2 = Cheesman69Boi
Season 3 = DantheMan

A curiosity in more ways than one, the Hungaroring boasts a unique piece of history in being the first circuit to have staged a grand prix behind the old 'Iron Curtain' in 1986.

Yet that remarkable piece of history now hangs heavy on the circuit's shoulders. Although alterations to both the twisty track and paddock have naturally had to be made over the last two decades as F1 continues to demand more of its venues, the circuit is conspicuously narrow by modern standards and the facilities are far from the best on the calendar.

Yet for all this the Hungarian Grand Prix has been ever present for the last 26 years and has its own inimitable charm. Indeed, in 2009 a new deal was announced securing its presence on the calendar until 2016.

Set in a valley, the circuit's original designers made full use of the natural terrain, using the bumps and crests to create a unique driving challenge. With 80 per cent of the track visible from certain spots in the grandstands, it's also great venue for spectators to attend.

Despite all the positives, however, overtaking is notoriously difficult at the circuit. A core issue is that the Hungaroring is hardly used throughout the year, meaning the surface becomes very dusty and 'green'. Thus its characteristics become similar to that of a temporary street circuit, where the track is at its quickest on the final lap of the race weekend.

The dust also means it is difficult for drivers to go off the racing line to attempt an overtaking move as even if the pass is successful, the dirt on the tyres makes the car difficult to drive for the next few corners.

Unless it rains, as has been the case in a couple of recent years, the best overtaking spot will be into turn one, a right-hand hairpin at the end of the pit-straight and DRS zone. The straight was lengthened in 2003 by 200 metres and the corner tightened to try to facilitate overtaking. In practice, however, any benefits from the tweak have been minimal.

It's an unfortunate sign of the times that with European races under a bigger threat than ever, Hungary may well have to literally rip up some of its cherished heritage to secure its future beyond 2016.

More info on Hungary here

RACE 12- SPA

Previous Winners:

Season 1 = Sheepie UK
Season 2 = Cheesman69Boi
Season 3 = Squeak83

A firm favourite with fans and drivers alike, Spa-Francorchamps is rightly considered to be one of the best tracks on the calendar - if not the best.

The rollercoastering Eau Rouge is arguably the most famous corner in the world, and it is a breathtaking sight to witness a Formula 1 car push the limits of physics as it flicks left, right and roars up the hill before hurtling into the Ardennes forest beyond.

Very much a drivers' track, conquering Spa is considered to be one of the ultimate challenges of motor racing. Six-time Belgian GP winner Michael Schumacher describes the circuit as his favourite in the world, while Sebastian Vettel has enthused that "Spa has some of the best corner sections in Formula 1." Indeed, it's difficult to remember any driver ever criticising the famous track.

Originally run over 14km on public roads, the circuit was shortened in 1979 to improve safety. Up until 2000, parts of the track were still used as roads, including Eau Rouge. At 4.3 miles, the current layout is still the longest on the F1 calendar.

But the speed and expanse of the lap is merely a single aspect of its multi-layered challenge. Another is the region's unpredictable weather, which often means that drivers have to deal with different grip levels around the lap. It is not unusual for it to be pouring with rain at the La Source hairpin but for the track to be completely dry at Les Combes.

And although the long straights would normally mean a low downforce set-up, any attempt to take Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimont without plenty of grip is sure to cause trouble.

A balanced set-up is therefore essential. So, too, is bravery - especially if, like Mark Webber on Alonso last year, you regard Eau Rouge as an overtaking opportunity! You must trust your car and, probably more importantly, your rival if you're game for making a move there.

A more obvious opportunity for a pass occurs earlier in the lap at the famed turn one hairpin, La Source, while the DRS Zone on the Kemmel Straight, leading up the hill to Les Combes, provides another great overtaking spot.

Finally, the Bus Stop chicane, which has been redesigned countless times over the years, provides another great opportunity for a pass. Following the long run through the Blanchimont kink, the right-left chicane tempts drivers to launch a late outbraking manoeuvre.

Eau Rouge, Les Combes, Blanchimont: it's hard to believe that there is any motor racing circuit on the planet boasting so many legendary names.

More info on Spa here

So can the new kids on the block throw a spanner in the works? Will R0ckeye take his prozac to calm him down on track? Will the rain be a pain?

As always.......CU Next Time..........