After a tense Indian Grand Prix, that saw Sebastian Vettel ease to his 4th straight victory and his 3rd straight win from pole. It’s the perfect time to take a trip down memory lane. Back to a time when F1 wasn’t dominated by one insanely talented German( wait hang on) and take a look at some of the classic circuits ( yes if your being cynical about it, this could be interpreted as a list of my favourite tracks but I have tried to be objective.)
Since 2010’s enthralling climax in Interlagos where any one of four drivers could still have been victorious, what used to be the campaigns only anti clockwise track has come to represent the climax of the F1 season. With the Brazilian Grand Prix looming, it’s time to take a look at some of the greatest circuits on the Calendar today.
1)Interlagos
There has been a round of the Formula One World Championship in Brazil since 1973, it had been one of the opening 3 rounds of the championship since is inaugural race almost forty years ago, in 2004 however a switch was made and the race appeared at the end of the calendar deciding the Championship in both 2008 and 2010. Four times World Champion Alain Prost won here 6 times in his 22 years in Formula One.
Regarded as one of the most exciting and challenging races on the calendar 8/10
2) Suzuka
Image: Michael Elleray
The circuit was originally designed as a Honda test track and is still owned by a subsidiary of Honda, it is one of the few remaining circuits with a figure of 8 shape and is one of the oldest in Formula One. The track s perhaps best known for 130r, one of the most fearsome corners in formula 1. Also for having an Amusement Park situated within the confines of the track, one of my earliest memories of the Japanese Grand Prix was seeing the giant Ferris wheel dominating the Suzuka skyline.
A grand circuit with a fantastic heritage ,has been overshadowing by Fiji in recent years 7/10
3) Spa
The fearsome 4.3 mile circuit is perhaps second only to the Nurburgring in difficulty levels, set in the undulating woods of western Belgium is a favourite with fans and drivers alike, the spectacular and dangerous Eu Rouge corner is a particular highlight. The circuit has also played host to some great moments including The Jordan teams first One Two, Damon Hill and Ralph Schumacher clinching the top two spots after a gripping race.
Another similarity it shares with the Nurburgring-(arguably the greatest race track in the world; not included here as it has been dropped from the F1 calendar this year), is like the famous German track, F1 cars run over a shortened section of the original track.
Always great to watch, a firm personal favourite 9/10
4) Monza
Image Bobby Voicu
When you think of Italy in general and Monza in particular, the first thing that springs to mind is passion. The roaring of thousands upon thousands of dedicated Tifosi ( Ferrari fans) is synonymous with this Grand Prix.
As the home of the Prancing Horse , anyone racing in the famous Scarlet cars are expected to win and win well, a feat 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher has achieved on no less than 5 occasions.
Always a fantastic occasion, the vibrance of the fans and the famous Parabolica creates the drama 8/10
5) Silverstone
Image Nick J Webb
The home of British Motorsport and the birthplace of Formula 1, usually held in July and often as not in the pouring rain, even the names of the corners evoke powerful memories of great races past. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Silverstone on several occasions and loved every minute of it.
It might be slightly biased to award full marks to what once was a dilapidated old Airfield but after threats from Bernie Ecclestone, Silverstone has well and truly stepped up to the plate to become one of the best tracks on the calendar. 10/10
Front of the Grid was created by Freelance Journalist Chris Allen. it aims to provide cutting edge news and opinion on the latest and greats issues in Formula 1 