FPAUDI: Ryan Hooker Spa preview

Hooker heads to the world famous Spa Track

For Rounds 9 & 10 of the Visma Software Formula Palmer Audi Championship, to be held on 31st August, the series heads to the renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium and Essex racer Ryan Hooker can't wait to get onto the famous track.

Ryan, currently lying third in the championship, has never visited the Belgian circuit before but like all race fans is in awe of its reputation. "It is one of the best circuits in the world" says Ryan, "and we are lucky to be going there. I can't believe I am on my way to drive at Spa!"

Set in the Ardennes Forest, the Spa circuit is 4.33 miles long, snaking in and out of the trees with long straights and some of the most famous, and formidable, corners in motorsports history. "It is a very technical circuit which is good for me" notes Ryan, "and I am looking forward to the challenge of Eau Rouge, possibly the most daunting corner in motorsport."

One area that is never predictable at Spa is the weather but the possibility of changeable conditions doesn't faze Ryan, "The weather could really spice it up, I wouldn't mind too much if it rained!". Without doubt these rounds will be some of the most challenging to face the drivers this season.

After practice runs on Friday, Ryan faces two qualifying sessions on Saturday which determines the grids for Sunday's two races where Ryan hopes to close the gap on the leaders and bolster his impressive championship position, in this his first year of single seater racing.