Belgian GP: Felipe Massa says Eau Rouge now easy
Felipe Massa believes Eau Rouge is no longer a great corner despite it being one of the most famous parts of any circuit in the world
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.
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About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Felipe Massa |
| Author | Edd Straw |
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