Grosjean, Magnussen look ahead to Spa
Haas duo Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen are both ready and raring to go again after the summer break.
Romain Grosjean: “It’s just a great track. There are very high-speed corners and there are a lot of turns, different types, some high speed, some low – just a good variety overall. It gives you a good feeling to drive. You always see different approaches at Spa. Either you’re fast in sector one and sector three, which are the high-speed sectors, or you’re fast in sector two, which has more of the corners. Both work pretty well, so it’s a matter of how you want to approach the race. The first lap you go through flat out, you feel sick, like you’re on a rollercoaster because it goes up and down. You’re thinking, will I make that for the race? But, once you’ve done it once, it’s all ok and you just enjoy the g-forces. Eau Rouge is certainly a corner where you don’t want to have a mistake. Qualifying in clean air is certainly quite good. On the other hand, if you get a big tow, you can have a massive advantage going into turn five. There’s a bit of an argument for both philosophies there. If I turn up at a race weekend not thinking that I’m the best, or that I can’t win the race, I’d be better off staying at home with my children. I always want to be on the podium. I always want to try to win the race. Of course, it depends a lot on the car, but in the end, you can never give up and you always strive to give your best. That’s the mentality you should have.”
Kevin Magnussen: “I’m sure it will be pretty easy flat out. It’s a bit like a rollercoaster. I’ve won in every category I’ve raced there with the exception of Formula One. I have many good memories from competing at Spa. Eau Rouge and Pouhon are probably the best sections, but the whole track is just amazing. It’s fast, challenging and fun.”