For the last month or so we’ve run a poll asking what your favourite Grand Prix circuit of all time was.
Some of you were rather liberal with the criteria of a GP circuit (Knockhill?) and some clearly approached the topic with tongue firmly in cheek; one answer simply read “Car park in Vegas Hahahahahaha.”
The fearsome old 14km layout of Spa was by far the most popular choice with 707 votes, a whopping 38 per cent. Perhaps it was that the poll appeared around the same time as this year’s Belgian Grand Prix or maybe it was that said race was a foregone conclusion in Jenson Button’s favour, but there’s certainly still a longing for the old circuit. Impressive, seeing as the last time it held a Grand Prix was in 1970. The next best result didn’t even get half as many votes.
Unsurprisingly, the next most popular circuit was the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with 321 votes, 17 per cent of the total. Third on the list was Brands Hatch with 155 and eight per cent, beating Silverstone hands down. The trend here seems to be that fans want fast tracks lined with woodland, not much room for error and a history of great racing. No surprises there then.
Our next poll’s about a man who called Spa his “living room”; we were going to ask you what you thought Schumacher’s next move should be. Go to Sauber, maybe vie for Massa’s seat at Ferrari? Then the seven-time World Champion ruined that idea by announcing his retirement from Formula 1. This time, it seems, it’ll be for good. So now we’re asking you what you think he should do with his time now that he seems ready to stay away from Grand Prix racing.
Should he join brother Ralf in DTM? Stay with Mercedes in some sort of ambassadorial role? Take a look on the right side of the homepage and have your say.
Apart from reading about it and seeing it in the movie “Grand Prix”, my vote for Spa also included my time spent on the old Grand Prix Legends PC simulator. Sure, some of you will snicker at these ‘virtual worlds’, but the game actually gave a good impression of what GP tracks were like in 1967 and the old Spa truly lives up to its’ reputation, especially driving a car with only mechanical grip. Fast, scary, too many solid objects to hit; it is wonderful! Too bad there isn’t a simulator for pre 1939 racing. I’d love to sample Reims, Pescara or the old Masaryk circuits….
Dave, you should check out the sim rFactor
In answer to Dave, I have driven it both in virtual reality in GPL and the public parts in my road car. The game really carries the true feel of it. The sad part was that the original Stavelot corner (which is almost banked) was crumbling as it now lies stranded between the two main roads (from Malmedy to Stavelot and Stavelot to Francorchamps). The Masta kink terrified me in the game, so I am surprised that it has not been reprofiled for normal traffic safety. That is how it was when I was last there in 2005. Much as we all like to moan about modern things the modern track keeps much of the character of the original,
if less so since it has become a permanent circuit.
I wish they could make current F1 cars safe enough to drive these old courses.
Formula One is in good shape…Indy Car is not I was born & raised in Speedway, Indiana…3 blocks from the IMS…grandad was night watchman from 1935-55. During WWll…Dad & Grandad took me to kick out rabbits under bleachers…that was our meat.I love Fl & Indy Car. Schumacher is a great spokesman for auto racing. Most of Indy Car drivers are not Americans…really upsets Indy Car fans. Would love to see Schumacher become a goodwill spokesman for racing in general…spend some time in the US talking up both Fl (Austin) and Indy Car. People in US don’t have any concept of how strong kart, F3 (?), F2 (the steping stones) is in UK, Europe, Asia, South America. Many US race fans don’t think the foreign drivers are qualified to drive Indy Cars. Michael could be a great worldwide ambassador…especially in US and educate US people. A once a year through 5-6 US cities would be great…combining him with Mario Andretti to help get a big draw and covered by the press. Just an idea…but Indy Car really needs help and Fl needs to be better understood by
US fans in general.
strong kart, F3 (?), F2 (the stepping stones)
In car lap from Lucien Bianchi in 1962. Wonder if Jules will be racing at the Belgian GP on the new Spa for Force India if Hulkenburg goes to Ferrari next year ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnMFPBWyk24
Spa 1970 – Pedro Rodriguez BRM – My hero -Super fast -Flawless – The last real GP along with Monza 1971 – Gethni’s only GP win on Pedro’s BRM – Record breaking victory, until Montoya’s win, tons of years later broke it. Oh! how I miss those years, – And how I miss Jimmy’s Lotus Coventry Climax too more than anything….
Indy Car!!!!!
Set up a race team and spending all his money for the fun of it.
Not with him self as a driver, of cause.. (chrashing in to everyone).