Sam Michael, Technical DirectorSpa is a fantastic circuit and a definite challenge for the engineers and drivers. Sectors 1 and 3require low drag, while Sector 2 requires maximum downforce, so a well compromised set-up iscrucial for getting a quick lap time. Spa is a real driver’s circuit and one of the greatest layouts wehave on the calendar. We will have new front and rear wings, plus some mechanical changes for theFW32 for this race. We’re also looking forward to celebrating Rubens’ 300 Grand Prix in Belgium, animpressive achievement!
Rubens BarrichelloSpa is a great racing circuit. I took my first pole there and have won at Spa while racing in the lowercategories so I’m looking forward to it. It’s always a challenging track and I imagine it will be evenmore so now we are carrying full tanks. It can be quite tricky in terms of car set-up because it’s solong, and you need to have a car fast enough to take on corners like La Source and Eau Rouge. Itreally all depends on the aero efficiency of the car as to what your lap time is. Drivers tend to go forquite different downforce levels at Spa so there’s always opportunities chance to overtake.This race will be my 300th in Formula One. I feel very privileged to have been in the sport for such along time and it feels great to reach this milestone. I still think I am at the top of my game and plan tocontinue being competitive long past my 300th GP!
Nico HülkenbergAfter Hungary, I spent some time analysing the race weekend with my engineers and have somegood data. It was nice to go into the shutdown period with a good result on the score sheets – it’sallowed me to fully relax and I’ve since had a really nice few weeks’ break. It also gave me some timeto increase my training schedule in preparation for some quite demanding races that lie ahead of usnow.Next up is Spa, a track I obviously haven’t had experience of in an F1 car, but it’s such an iconiccircuit I’m really excited to get going! We’ve definitely made progress with the pace of the FW32 inrecent races and I definitely feel that I’ve upped my qualifying and race performance. This gives methe confidence to feel quite positive about the remaining third of the year.
