• Belgian Grand Prix

Eau Rouge may not be flat out in 2014 - Sutil

ESPN Staff
August 18, 2014 « Grosjean remaining positive about 2014 | Force India not settling for fifth in constructors' race »
Mark Webber powers through Eau Rouge in 2013 © Associated Press
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Adrian Sutil says he is not convinced drivers will be able to take Spa's iconic Eau Rouge corner at full throttle at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix due to the characteristics of the new generation of F1 cars.

The V6 turbo era has introduced cars with higher top speeds at the cost of reduced downforce, which results in slower cornering speeds and has led to slower lap times this season. The sweeping, high-speed Eau Rouge corner has always been one of F1's most famous but Sutil thinks this year it could be a bigger challenge than ever.

"Eau Rouge is one of my favourite corners and this year it will be difficult to go flat out due to less downforce," Sutil said. "With the new cars we will have more top speed and less grip, so it will be interesting to see how it will be to drive under these conditions.

"Regarding the set-up [at Spa], there are two variations: Either you are fast in sector two and relatively slow on the straights or vice versa. Both set-ups can result in the same lap time."

However, Sauber reserve driver Giedo van der Garde disagrees with his colleague about how drivers can approach the corner this year.

"I believe we will have more top speed on the straights but less downforce in comparison to 2013. [But] I think Eau Rouge and Blanchimont will still be flat out."

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