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[Denthúl]

On the subject of those classic races, was last year's race really one of the top 5 Belgian GPs ever? They have made some stupid choices this year, although it was worse at other rounds to be fair. '00, '04, '05 would all have been very worthy nominees, cause the action happened through rather than just at the start and end...

Who said it was the best?

The '08 race? Seems like someone from the BBC picked it to be included in the list. I don't know who said it was the best though.

I think they are sometimes limited by their archive at the BBC. However they will always hold it in high esteem for being the race where Hamilton was "robbed".

Indeed...

[EwanM]

On the subject of those classic races, was last year's race really one of the top 5 Belgian GPs ever? They have made some stupid choices this year, although it was worse at other rounds to be fair. '00, '04, '05 would all have been very worthy nominees, cause the action happened through rather than just at the start and end...

Who said it was the best?

The '08 race? Seems like someone from the BBC picked it to be included in the list. I don't know who said it was the best though.

I think they are sometimes limited by their archive at the BBC. However they will always hold it in high esteem for being the race where Hamilton was "robbed".

Indeed...

Plus I think the BBC are wise to save some of their other highlights for the next few years. At least it gives us something to look forward to.

[Gilles 27]

I'd love to have seen some stuff from before 1970 (the 1970 race itself would have been great) when Spa was a proper monster.

[Denthúl]

I'd love to have seen some stuff from before 1970 (the 1970 race itself would have been great) when Spa was a proper monster.

Have you driven it on rFactor? (Assuming you have rFactor) It's spectacular, but hard to learn, like the Nordschliefe, because it's so long. I love it with the old '50s Mercedes, it's great fun. I'd also love to see races on Rouen-Les-Essarts, too.

[EwanM]

I'd love to have seen some stuff from before 1970 (the 1970 race itself would have been great) when Spa was a proper monster.

Probably limited footage. But yes that would have been grand.

[Gilles 27]

I'd love to have seen some stuff from before 1970 (the 1970 race itself would have been great) when Spa was a proper monster.

Have you driven it on rFactor? (Assuming you have rFactor) It's spectacular, but hard to learn, like the Nordschliefe, because it's so long. I love it with the old '50s Mercedes, it's great fun. I'd also love to see races on Rouen-Les-Essarts, too.

I'm not such a fan of rFactor, but it's on Grand Prix Legends. It was the first track that I was able to get near the pace on so I'll always have a soft spot for it. It gets scarier the faster you learn to do it though, it's like the Nurburgring, once you start searching for time it gets a lot more dangerous

[EwanM]

Spa Francorchamps must pay its way - Ecclestone

27/08/09 09:55
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 5553.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bernie Ecclestone has played down the prospect of easing the financial conditions for struggling traditional grand prix, including the much-loved Belgian race at Spa Francorchamps.

Despite the event's global popularity, less than 55,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's running, which because of the high fee payable to the sport guarantees a multi million euro loss for the local promoters.

It is a similar story for other traditional European events on the calendar, but F1 chief executive Ecclestone insists they must compete for their places with those other countries for a place on the calendar.

"I love Belgium and I would be very happy to keep Spa, a wonderful traditional race, on the calendar," the Briton is quoted as saying by the French language Belgian newspaper La Libre.

It is believed Spa has a contract to host F1 until 2012, but the ongoing willingness of the local Walloon government to pick up the losses is in question.

"That's normal,” Ecclestone said. “Governments in other countries pay much more and I have at least five requests for new races outside of Europe.

"The value of F1 is high," the 78-year-old insisted. "If you want to drive a Mercedes, you have to earn your money and pay dearly."

It is reported that one option for Spa is to alternate the race hosting rights from 2013 onwards with another circuit; such as the Nurburgring in Germany.

"We are thinking about this solution," Ecclestone confirmed, "but nothing is decided."

You tell 'em Bernie.

You don't just drive a Mercedes, you get someone to drive it for you...

[vaptin]

maybe ferrari need to pull a Schumacher again?

[Gaz]

Spa Francorchamps must pay its way - Ecclestone

27/08/09 09:55
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 5553.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bernie Ecclestone has played down the prospect of easing the financial conditions for struggling traditional grand prix, including the much-loved Belgian race at Spa Francorchamps.

Despite the event's global popularity, less than 55,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's running, which because of the high fee payable to the sport guarantees a multi million euro loss for the local promoters.

It is a similar story for other traditional European events on the calendar, but F1 chief executive Ecclestone insists they must compete for their places with those other countries for a place on the calendar.

"I love Belgium and I would be very happy to keep Spa, a wonderful traditional race, on the calendar," the Briton is quoted as saying by the French language Belgian newspaper La Libre.

It is believed Spa has a contract to host F1 until 2012, but the ongoing willingness of the local Walloon government to pick up the losses is in question.

"That's normal,” Ecclestone said. “Governments in other countries pay much more and I have at least five requests for new races outside of Europe.

"The value of F1 is high," the 78-year-old insisted. "If you want to drive a Mercedes, you have to earn your money and pay dearly."

It is reported that one option for Spa is to alternate the race hosting rights from 2013 onwards with another circuit; such as the Nurburgring in Germany.

"We are thinking about this solution," Ecclestone confirmed, "but nothing is decided."

You tell 'em Bernie.

You don't just drive a Mercedes, you get someone to drive it for you...

What a tool, "if your poor, then don't come to F1 races"

[88mph]

Can RBR still introduce KERS this season as discussed earlier?

[McLaren Fan]

More f***ing s*** coming from Ecclestone's sewage farm of a mouth.

[7UpJordan]

More f***ing s*** coming from Ecclestone's sewage farm of a mouth.

I think Bernie only says these things to annoy us fans, he's like a "little bully" seeking attention.

[al4x]

i still wish the fota championship would have materialised :/

[kezza7]

Nico Rosberg releases some amazing news on his opinions of his and Williams chances at Spa!!

Nico Rosberg is confident that Williams can claim its first podium finish in almost a year in this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The German has finished in the top five in each of the past five races, and expects the high-speed Spa circuit to suit the characteristics of the Williams FW31.

"I'm expecting to go really well," said Rosberg. "The car is well-suited to the fast track and I think that we can do really well.

"I'd consider that [another top five finish] to be doing really well. Decent points would be good, but we can do better and maybe even get on the podium. Even if it rains, we should do well.

"We have got a new front wing and rear wing, but then again it's a different downforce level."

Rosberg added that, despite not having claimed a podium finish since last year's Singapore Grand prix, he believes that he has got the best performance possible out of the car.

"We have got the most out of it this year," he said. "I'm fifth in the world championship and there's no way I could have done better than that.

"For the team, it's unfortunate that Kazuki [Nakajima] hasn't scored yet because we'd be third in the constructors' championship if he had a decent amount of points. That would be a very strong position. He isn't far off in terms of pace, it's just the results."

Rosberg would not be drawn on his future - although he insisted that no final decision has been taken - but did say that he is determined to have a car capable of challenging for race wins next year amid reports that he is on the verge of moving to McLaren.

"I'm not impatient, but I'd really like to have a car that can go for podiums and race wins next year. I just have to evaluate which team is the best possibility and whether Williams or someone else can do it.

"I'm in talks with several teams and I'm pleased with my situation because I have some good opportunities for next year."

About the 12th time in 12 races i think he's said that.

And sounds like its a done deal he's gonna leave williams

[headless]

Williams on form, but just missing out, just on the top 3 in the last 5 races, They should now be able to do it.