• Belgian Grand Prix

Top speed is Vettel's main concern at Spa

ESPNF1 Staff
August 24, 2010 « Paul Ricard to host next Pirelli test | »
Red Bull finished third and ninth at Spa in 2009 © Getty Images
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Sebastian Vettel is confident about Red Bull's chances at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, but has some concerns over the car's top speed on Spa Francorchamp's long straights.

The Red Bull is widely believed to have the highest levels of downforce on the F1 grid but is down on straight-line speed and power from its Renault engine. The uphill Kemmel straight and final sector of the lap at Spa Francorchamps reward high straight-line speed, and it is on these parts of the track that Vettel expects to be less competitive.

"I love Spa, it has some of the best corner sections in Formula One, they're long, fast-flowing and suit our car," he said. "We were very competitive in the race there last year, but we lost out in qualifying a bit. Our weakness will be the long straights and, with uphill sections too, we know it won't be easy for us, but I am optimistic for the race."

Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber is also looking forward to the Belgian Grand Prix but would not make any predictions about the car's competitiveness.

"I don't think there is a driver on the grid that doesn't look forward to Spa, it's an incredible circuit to drive on," Webber said. "I expect we can do well there, whether it's as well as I did in Budapest is a question for everyone, but I know our team is ready."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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