Pirelli’s Motorsport Director Paul Hembery: “Spa-Francorchamps is one of those legendary names in motorsport, which has become a real icon of the Formula One season. It is a track that tests ultimate commitment, so once again we have to supply tyres that are capable of not only absorbing the colossal forces that they are subjected to on a regular basis, but also of delivering maximum performance in complete safety. In many ways Spa is one of the most unpredictable tracks of the season, and since we have never tested here, we have very little data to go on. From what we have seen in the past though, in Valencia and at the Nurburgring especially, we are confident that this combination of the medium and the soft tyre strikes the correct balance between performance and durability, equipping the drivers to display every aspect of their talents. It’s a race that rewards brave overtaking manoeuvres, which is exactly in keeping with our own tyre philosophy as well. The weather in Belgium as always will be a question mark, but with so many wet races behind us already this year, this is one area where we are definitely gaining in experience more rapidly than we anticipated!”
Jerome d’Ambrosio (Virgin Racing): “Spa Francorchamps is one of the most special tracks on the calendar for me. It’s just amazing to drive – it’s difficult to put words to the feeling you get there. My favourite part is clearly Eau Rouge, it’s such a crucial and unique corner and it’s a real challenge to take it flat out. Spa is one of the most demanding race tracks due to its fast, twisty and hilly nature and I’m sure that we will see another exciting race, with the Pirelli P Zero tyres being the centre of action again. One of the biggest challenges during the weekend will be to be on the correct tyre because the weather is always changeable and it sometimes rains at one part of the circuit while it’s dry at another. During the race we will also have to look after the Pirelli tyres to get the best performance out of them during the 44 laps.”
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