F1 Drivers Revel in Return to Spa

Formula One welcomed the sweeping Spa-Francorchamps circuit back with open arms on Thursday as the teams arrived at the famous track for the returning Belgian Grand Prix.

The race was omitted from the World Championship calendar last year because of a ban on tobacco advertising but it was reinstated this year to host the 14th race of the season.

Six-times World Champion Michael Schumacher, who could wrap up his seventh title if he scores his 13th win of the season on Sunday, welcomed the return of the circuit.

"The circuit has its own special magic," said Schumacher, who made his Formula One debut at Spa driving for Jordan in 1991 before scoring his maiden victory a year later with Benetton.

"It is where I have had some of the most memorable racing moments," added the German, who was born in Kerpen, on the other side of the Belgium-Germany border.

Spa, situated in the Ardennes Forest region in east Belgium, offers a high-speed challenge like no other circuit with its famous spine-tingling corners.

Huge Challenges

The track, now 6.973 kilometres long following a 10-metre extension thanks to alterations made to the Bus Stop corner for safety reasons, poses huge challenges for the drivers.

From the infamous Eau Rouge corner, taken flat out at 290 kph, to the first corner La Source hairpin, the scene of one of Formula One's biggest pile-ups when 12 cars were eliminated in 1998, Spa is an ultimate test of driver skill.

"Driving here, splendidly situated in the middle of the countryside, is fantastic," added Schumacher, who is chasing his seventh victory at Spa. "To be truthful, Spa is my favourite circuit."

The drivers are unanimous in their love for the track. Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher's Ferrari teammate, said: "Driving there is a phenomenal sensation."

BAR's Jenson Button added: "The circuit has a lot of history and I think that it is every Formula One driver's favourite track."

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella believes the circuit allows drivers to display every bit of their skill and, sometimes, to overcome deficiencies in their cars.

"I believe that there is a chance on this circuit for the driver's talent to make a difference," Fisichella said. "That makes it a very satisfying track on which to drive. That is why I have always been happy to race there. It is a more complete circuit than any other."