Fisi anticipates Spa return

Fisichella, who will move to Renault at the end of the season, has welcomed the return of the challenging Belgian venue, and maintains that the daunting Eau Rouge compression remains a big challenge for the Formula 1 drivers.

"Spa is, of course, one of my favourite circuits, and I think my style suits it very well," said Fisichella. "I love the variety; it has lots of different kinds of corner, and the best is Eau Rouge. That is very difficult to take flat. In qualifying it usually is, though not always, and this year that will depend on the weight of fuel you decide to carry.

"I was second there on my debut in 1997, to Michael, and third with the Renault in 2001, and I believe that there is a chance on this circuit for the driver's talent to make a difference. That makes it a very satisfying track on which to drive. I'm really happy that it is back on the calendar, because it is a more complete circuit than any other."

His team-mate Felipe Massa is similarly upbeat about the return of Spa: "It's a fabulous circuit! I'm so happy that it's back. For sure it's been changed just a little since I was last there, but the very quick corners remain the same. You don't run too much downforce so the car feels like it is dancing.

"You really know you are a racing driver when you are there. I have never raced anywhere that is better. I think we can be strong. There are characteristics that Spa shares with Silverstone. If you look at our performance at Silverstone this should work in our favour. Eau Rouge is of course the best corner for me anywhere in the world, and it should be flat although it wasn't for us in 2002."