Vettel: Spa is easier now

Sebastian Vettel says Spa-Francorchamps has become easier to drive as Formula 1 cars have gained more and more downforce.

The Ferrari man will return to Belgium this week having gone a year without a race win, with his last triumph having come in the Ardennes Forest 12 months prior.

With the SF90 regarded as the fastest car on the grid in terms of top-line speed, it could play into Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc's hands as they look for a first Ferrari win of 2019.

Once genuinely feared by drivers and retaining its formidable reputation to this day, Vettel says the more challenging parts of the circuit have been made less complicated by the advances in car technology.

"Spa-Francorchamps is a legendary track and definitely one of my favourites," Vettel said.

"It is very special with all its climbs and drops and with much of the track running more or less through the forest.

"Of course, over time, this circuit has also changed a lot, as indeed have the cars that we drive. I remember the first time I raced here in Formula 1 and compared to back then, some of the corners are easier now, because we have more aero downforce on the cars.

"The uphill esses at Eau Rouge can now be taken flat out, but it is still unique, while corners like Pouhon and Blanchimont are also spectacular.

"You have to get a perfect exit out of Eau Rouge to have as much speed as possible on the run down to Les Combes, where you can overtake thanks to the slipstream effect as long as you have the gear ratios just right. From Pouhon onwards, the circuit is just wonderful as you press down on the accelerator all the way to the Bus Stop, which is another realistic point to try and overtake. Once you know it, it's impossible not to love Spa."

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