Formula One: Liuzzi and Force India confident before the Belgium Grand Prix
Tonio Liuzzi and his team Force India are confident about their chances in the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. Belgian GP is hosted on famous Spa Francorchamps circuit, which is considered one of most challenging circuit of Formula One calendar. Liuzzi also considers Spa as the most beautiful and demanding circuit of Formula One season.
Spa Francorchamps is located in the centre of Ardennes forest surrounded by hills. It has long been considered favourite among drivers due to its sharps turns and challenging layout. Talking to sports channel, Italian driver of Force India, Tonio Liuzzi said, “Spa is my favourite venue and I love the circuit because it is a mixture of adrenaline and technique. It has a great mix of really high-speed and technical corners and there is nowhere else like it that gives you the same adrenaline rush. It's the most beautiful circuit on the championship calendar.”
Atmospheric and weather conditions further tests drivers’ ability, as Spa’s geographical location increases the chance of rain during Grand Prix. With introduction of new rules, it means further complication of strategies for respective teams. It also bring element of luck into play. However, for racing fans it all adds up to an entertaining and thrilling race. For Liuzzi, circuit of Spa is the most exciting circuit. Liuzzi is relishing the prospect of driving on wet and sloppy circuit of Spa.
According to the Italian, all these factors add flavour to race and make it more exciting for both drivers and fans. However, Liuzzi is also wary of fact that luck can play important factor in Belgium. He said, “For sure it is not easy to handle and luck can play a part because you need to be in the right place at the right time to make a decision on tyres and make the right call on the pit stop. But I don't mind it when things get tough during the race because it makes it more exciting.”
Ironically, Force India’s best outing in Formula One is at Spa Francorchamps. Last year, they scored their best result in Formula One on this circuit. Giancarlo Fisichella, who drove for Force India in 2009, grabbed pole position in qualifying before finishing the race on second position. Fisichella was phenomenal on Spa, as he pushed eventual winner Kimi Raikkonen to limit before finishing second.
Keeping yesteryear's performance in mind, Liuzzi is hopeful of his team’s chance this year. He said, “I think we are still capable of a top position and why not, a podium could be possible again. We are pushing hard to bring our blown diffuser in for Spa and we had good ideas of how to make it work before shutting down for the break. We are pretty confident we will have it for Spa.”
On the other hand, Belgian Grand Prix is again in danger of losing its place in Formula One calendar after 2012. These views were echoed by race organizers as they prepare for Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks time. According to them, Spa Francorchamps is under heavy pressure after its failure to compete with other international venues with higher annual promotion fees. Spa could be another Hockenheim circuit in making, as latter almost went bankrupt before expressing its inability to host F1 races. Despite the fact, that large amounts of tickets have been sold this year but officials are still concerned about venue’s ability to compete with other modern venues in future.
According to Belgium Grand Prix spokesman, 65,000 tickets have already been sold which will allow them to achieve their fiscal target. Similarly, new Concorde Agreement, which will allow 25 races in single year, will boost the chance of Spa to survive in international competition. Expressing his concern, circuit boss Andre Maes said, “There is no shortage of candidates [for grand prix]. Even France doesn't have a grand prix.”
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