Belgian GP: Felipe Massa says Eau Rouge now easy

The Brazilian, winner of the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, believes that current Formula 1 cars mean it is less of a challenge for drivers.

"When I started in Formula 1 with the V10 it was always a more difficult corner to do," he said.

"On new tyres [it was] flat out, but most of the laps not flat out and a very tricky corner to do.

"Now it is flat out first lap and whatever tyres you have, you're doing that corner flat out so it's not a corner anymore, it's a straight.

"You have all the corners that are much more tricky now compared to Eau Rouge.

"This is the situation unfortunately because Eau Rouge was a great place to watch, a great corner, and now it's not for us driving."

Many drivers still rate Spa as one of the most challenging on the calendar even though Eau Rouge is no longer a challenge.

But although the track has several other fast, difficult corners - notably the long left-hander at Pouhon - Massa believes the track is not as enjoyable as it was during F1's V10 era, which he raced in from 2002-2005.

"You reduce a little bit the pleasure of driving Spa now it is with a V8 and in an easy car to do Eau Rouge flat out compared to the past when I was driving a V10," said Massa.