Spa: Natacha Gachnang preview

Natacha Gachnang confident for third round

Swiss driver Natacha Gachnang is back in action this weekend at Spa Francorchamps for the third round of the new F2 championship which features identical cars running on Avon Tyres designed by the Williams F1 Team and has been created as the ultimate feeder category for Formula One.

The third round of the season takes place at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, a venue that combines 320 km/h straights with 70 km/h hairpins and of course, the unique challenge of Eau Rouge. The series returns 25 years after the F2 last season in a 16-race season across eight different European circuits. From Aigle, Switzerland's 21 year old Natacha Gachnang is the only female driver in the relaunched Formula Two championship. She is also hoping to follow her cousin Sebastien Buemi into Formula 1.

Natacha Gachnang said, "Spa is so different throughout the 7km circuit: it is the longest track of our season. Eau Rouge, Stavelot, Blanchimont, La Source, Les Combes, Pouhon, make this a fantastic circuit and on top of that we will have to contend with the unpredictable weather in the Ardennes, which can see the circuit wet at one end and dry at the other. I will need to find a good set-up and downforce in order to maximise grip in the corners and to find the solution to ensure good aerodynamic performance in the quicker corners, and a good change of direction in the quick chicanes. At least the two, long flat-out 'straights' on the circuit provide overtaking opportunities. But this means having a perfect car with good top-speed. This has been a critical factor since the start of my season. I hope to find the key to success here and it won't be easy as Spa is also one the most demanding circuits of the season for the tyres."

-credit: nc