Belgian GP Jaguar preview

The Belgian Grand Prix takes place at Spa on Sunday, and after the processional race in Hungary, the long and flowing road course should provide some good racing. Almost all the drivers enjoy racing on the track, the longest in F1, although Eddie Irvine is an exception.

"While I appreciate the great setting and its place in the history books, I am not a big fan of Spa," he said. "I don't see the thrill of driving fast round fast corners. You have enough downforce to keep your foot planted on the throttle and you don't get to play with the car very much. Having said that we do all have a lot of respect for Eau Rouge. There is no corner like it anywhere else in the world."

At the last race Eddie made up a lot of ground by running around the outside of the tight first turn as the other drivers held each other up. Spa has a similarly tight first turn and Eddie is hoping for more of the same. "After Hungary it will make a nice change to be on a track with more than one overtaking opportunity," he said, "however, making up places at the start is always a risky business as the first corner is very tight."

In contrast to Eddie, Johnny Herbert loves the thrill of racing on the historic track. "I always enjoy racing at Spa," he confessed. "It is the best and most demanding circuit on the calendar and Eau Rouge has to he the best corner in F1. It's a real test of a driver's expertise. I'm looking forward to going back and hope that a little bit of luck will go my way."

After testing for three days at Silverstone last week, the team had the chance to work on the set-up of the R1 ahead of the race. "We went to Silverstone to try out some new aero modifications for the race at Spa," said technical director Gary Anderson. "We did make progress but we'll have to wait until the weekend to see the outcome. I can't make any predictions for this race but will say that we have to keep our minds focused on the battle for points."

Practice for the Belgian Grand Prix starts at 10am on Friday August 25.