Belgium Preview Quotes: Michelin

Pierre Dupasquier, motorsport director: "Spa is has changed subtly since Formula One last raced here in 2002 â€" but we have a good idea how the alterations will affect tyre performance. A number of Michelin teams competed successfully in the recent Spa 24 Hours. Michelin notched up yet another outright win, took six of the top seven places and scored three class victories. We also picked up some useful data that helped us to finalise our tyre specifications for the Belgian Grand Prix. Spa is extremely popular with drivers and spectators because it is one of the fastest and most spectacular tracks in the world. It is not, however, one of the most demanding in terms of tyre wear."

Pascal Vasselon, F1 programme manager: "Everybody seems to be looking forward to racing at Spa once again. Two full seasons have passed since Formula One cars last ran here - and that adds an extra element of interest. We can't be exactly sure how performance levels will have increased since 2002. Eau Rouge used to be one of the greatest barometers of driver commitment, but now there's a chance that everybody will take it flat throughout the weekend. As far as tyre choice is concerned, we know how Spa compares to other circuits we have raced at recently and have used that as a gauge when assessing the degree to which lap times are likely to be reduced. One major question remains, however, because about half the track has been resurfaced - and that affects virtually all the points at which cars used to be on the absolute limit of adhesion. Although we don't know precisely how much grip the fresh asphalt will generate, we have been given data about the type of material used and have a pretty clear idea of the direction we need to take. We'll have to wait until Friday to find out whether we've got our sums right."