Spa-Francorchamps: full speed through Eau Rouge

Two thirds of the way into the season, and Formula One is entering the finishing straight. The 2008 Formula One programme sees six races outstanding for the BMW Sauber F1 Team and the rest of the teams.

The Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps is full of superlatives, and one of the classics on the Formula One calendar, which has gained its status thanks to many exciting races. The famous dip "Eau Rouge" and the high-speed left turn "Blanchimont" require the drivers to show a degree of courage rarely found on modern circuits. The band of tarmac stretches for over seven kilometres through the Belgian Ardennes, where the race is often heavily influenced by the weather and sometimes hit by heavy showers.

In 2007, Nick Heidfeld finished fifth at Spa-Francorchamps in his BMW Sauber F1.07, picking up more important points for the constructors' championship. "My lap times were good when I had nobody in front of me and I was driving in clean air," said Nick, who was stuck behind Heikki Kovalainen for several laps before he could overtake the Finn. "Towards the end I was under no pressure, so reduced the engine's revs," he added.

Robert Kubica also spent the majority of his race in Spa behind slower cars, having started the Grand Prix from 14th place due to engine damage. "I was running about two seconds a lap slower than I could have done," said the Pole, who finished the race in the thankless ninth place. Robert: "That is how it goes sometimes - you push hard and get nothing." Giving everything, the young Pole had managed to overtake five rivals in just a few laps...