Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 1st, 2008 Race - 3rd
“Like Monaco, Silverstone and Monza, it’s one of the historic circuits that I grew up watching on television when I was younger - which makes it just that bit more special for me, because it’s so easy to imagine the heroes of the past racing here. It’s also a magnificent circuit, a place where you can really push the limits of a Formula One car: driving through Eau Rouge, Pouhon or Blanchimont is an incredible sensation - your whole body is on the limit and you are still pushing to go faster still. I love Spa - I don’t think it should ever leave the Formula One calendar.”
Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren
2008 Qualifying - 3rd, 2008 Race - 10th
“I think everyone in Formula One looks forward to Spa. For the drivers, the circuit is a fantastic challenge: unlike some of the places we visit, Spa has real character, and it’s a place where the confidence and commitment of the driver can make a difference. The big corners mean you need to be brave and take risks - and also mean you’ll have a big accident if you get it wrong. I love this place, I think it’s the best circuit on the calendar.”
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
2008 Qualifying - 4th, 2008 Race - 18th
“The main goal is to hold the standard of the last races, which means that we have to try to get on the podium again. I always loved racing at Spa where I’ve won many times since I started my career in the smaller racing series. I really like driving here: 44 laps might be not enough! Last year everything went up in smoke due to the rain at the end of the race and I ran into a wall. I set all on victory and I didn’t have anything to lose. This year the situation is slightly different, and because we don’t have a car that’s able to compete on the highest performance level. But we’ll give it our all - and even more - for a good result.”
Fernando Alonso, Renault
2008 Qualifying - 6th, 2008 Race - 4th
“It’s one of the traditional circuits that has a lot of history and a special atmosphere. All the drivers love to race there and it’s the greatest driving challenge of the year. The high-speed corners are amazing, especially Eau Rouge and Pouhon, and it’s always a pleasure to drive there in an F1 car. Spa is a circuit where you need a complete car because it’s a very long lap and you need to find a set-up to cope with a lot of different challenges. There are quick corners, slow corners and long straights where you need good top speed to overtake or defend position, especially on the approach to Les Combes. Our car has been strong in the last few races so I think we can be quick in Spa too where I will continue pushing hard.”
Jarno Trulli, Toyota
2008 Qualifying - 11th, 2008 Race - 16th
“Spa is a fantastic track and definitely my favourite in Formula One. It is a real driver’s circuit and that suits me perfectly. There is almost every type of corner, so all the way around the lap you are challenged and I love that. Every time you drive around Spa it is amazing but I have to say it was special to get pole position there a few years ago. It was disappointing not to achieve more last weekend in Valencia but it’s a different style of lay-out compared to Spa. The competition in F1 is particularly tough at the moment but we are fighting hard and it would be great to get a good result at such a special place. Spa always gives me a positive feeling and we’ll be pushing as hard as we can to get the best possible result.”
Rubens Barrichello, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 16th, 2008 Race - DNF
“Valencia was a fantastic weekend and the memories will stay with me for a long time. Winning again feels pretty good! I always knew that we had both the car and the pace to deliver a win this season and stayed positive. I’ve had a few days to relax and reflect now but I can’t wait to get back in the car again in Spa! For me, Spa is unquestionably on one of the best circuits in the world and I love racing there. The lap is really long and fast with some great corners and it gives you a fantastic feeling in a Formula One car. Experience is a key factor as you can pick up a lot of time if you get the car set-up just right and you have to be precise in your timing to make the most of the track time in practice and qualifying. We’ve picked up some momentum again now after the result in Valencia and know that we have to make the most of the next few races.”
Jenson Button, Brawn GP
2008 Qualifying - 17th, 2008 Race - 15th
“Spa is one of my favourite circuits and has a layout which gives everything you could want as a driver. It’s one of the fastest and most challenging circuits in the world with hills, fast corners and long straights which combine to give you a real buzz to drive, just like Suzuka and Silverstone. It’s also a very beautiful circuit with the forest setting although the weather can be unpredictable! It can play a big part in the race weekend, even in the summer, so you have to be ready to react but that unpredictability is part of the thrill of racing at Spa. Eau Rouge is still a legendary corner, although it is usually easy flat for us in the dry, but the feeling when you hit the bottom of the hill, touch the ground and shoot straight back up again is amazing. It’s been a tough few races for me recently but the car felt very good in Valencia and the pace was right up there when I was able to run in clear air during the race. So we’re feeling positive and very much looking forward to the weekend.”
| 
|