Ferrari: Raikkonen, “Spa is probably my favorite track”

Eight races in 14 weeks: this is the program that awaits the Formula 1 Circus when activities resume.

The mandatory summer break is over and the second half of the season begins, with very few moments of pause to catch one's breath and the teams crisscrossing the world from east to west. However, before the last six intercontinental trips, there are two of the most evocative and historic events on the calendar.

We start this weekend with Spa-Francorchamps.

The objectives. For Scuderia Ferrari the objectives for the frenetic finale of the 2014 season are clear: to finish as high as possible in the Constructors' classification, in which the team is currently third and, given that the technical regulations are destined to remain practically unchanged for 2015 , take advantage of the development of the F14 T to acquire data and information for next season. This weekend's race at the foot of the Ardennes takes place on a track that has often been able to offer surprises due to its vocation as a high-speed track, which sees the cars running in a low-load configuration and therefore also allows teams that usually they find themselves at the back of competing in the group. It means that the current top drivers may not necessarily be the favorites and that, from an entertainment point of view, spectators should be able to witness a weekend of close competition.

Track for real drivers. It is also true that this 7.004 meter track represents a challenge that tends to bring out the skills of the most talented pilots. Having said that, Fernando Alonso's is the exception that proves the rule, since the Spaniard has never won here and achieved two second places as his best result, in 2005 and last year. However, given Fernando's state of grace this season, nothing can be ruled out for this weekend. On the other hand, his teammate Kimi Raikkonen, with four successes in Belgium, is the most successful driver among those currently active and is equal with Jim Clark, one success from Ayrton Senna and two from the great Michael Schumacher. “Spa is probably my favorite track, because it's an old-fashioned circuit with climbs and descents through the woods. I also like it for the fact that it is fast and smooth” – the Finn tells www.ferrari.com – “It also usually offers a good show for the spectators. I think that as a driver you can make a difference in every part of the track although, as on all circuits, it is a combination of factors. At Turn 1, the hairpin, you can gain or lose a lot of time: you need a good exit speed because below comes a long straight, which also includes the uphill S of Eau Rouge. In recent seasons it has been possible to tackle this curve in full without too much effort, although this year, with the new cars, it may not be the same. The last time I drove here for Ferrari (in 2009) I won and that success came in a season where we were struggling right from the start of the championship. At Spa we managed to get everything going in the right direction and it would be nice if the same thing happened this season too. This would certainly make the race more fun since it's nicer to race if you get results!”

The weather variable. Obviously an overview of Spa would not be complete without taking into account the variable of the weather: not only is rain often a factor, but due to the length of the track you can find yourself in a situation where part of the circuit can be dry and the other wet. For this reason, teams must always be ready to face any type of situation. Another of the effects of the very long lap is that those who manage to make the energy recovery system (ERS) work better could benefit from a concrete performance advantage. Ultimately, running in Spa is a really nice way to say goodbye to the holidays!