Kobayashi and Pérez are eager to return to Spa with Sauber

Returned empty-handed from Budapest, where the Hungarian Grand Prix took place, the Sauber team approaches the Belgian round with optimism: “I am confident that we can be very competitive in all conditions at Spa because the characteristics of this track, with its fast corners, should suit our car. I am really looking forward to racing there,” says Kamui Kobayashi.

The Japanese driver also ranks the Spa circuit among his favorites: « I love high-speed corners and I also like how this circuit blends into such a green setting: it gives it a very special atmosphere. » Sergio Pérez also joins the chorus of praise that drivers indulge in when it comes to discussing the Ardennes circuit and hopes to achieve a good result there: « Spa-Francorchamps is quite an intimidating circuit with a great history. It has its own character, and circuits like this are hard to find these days. I’m really looking forward to racing there again. I think it’s one of all the drivers’ favorite circuits. It is also challenging, and it’s nice to start the second part of the season there. I believe the fast circuit in the Ardennes should suit our car. Last year, I qualified ninth there but had to retire. So for what will be my second Formula One race at Spa, I aim to at least score points. »

For this, the Swiss team will have some minor innovations on the C31 which has indeed seemed at ease on high-speed circuits up to now, but beyond that, for Giampaolo Dall’Ara, head of track engineering, it will be necessary to respond to the multiple challenges posed by the Spa circuit, both for drivers and engineers: « The level of downforce is lower than on most circuits, due to the long full-throttle sections and the design of the corners, which are mainly high-speed sequences with few slow turns. Regarding the settings, it is not an easy circuit and it is quite demanding on the tires, which this time will be the hardest: medium and hard. It is a logical choice because the surface is quite abrasive and there is a lot of load on the tires in the fast sections. »

But like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit presents two faces depending on the weather conditions: « The weather is very unpredictable and can significantly influence the qualifications or the race. Given the length of the circuit, it can be completely dry on one part of the track and, at the same time, completely wet on the other side, » indicates Kobayashi. Thus, according to Giampaolo Dall’Ara, it is necessary to « take this into account when preparing for the weekend, as well as during the race because you need to be able to adapt your strategy ». In this area, the Hinwil team has repeatedly demonstrated this season that they know how to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.