Again, I don't utilise this blog as much as I should. So here's a huge entry to make up for it.
Formula One, admittedly, is being turned into too much of a technicality at times. The behaviour of the modern formula one car can be a little predictable. The lack of two extra cyclinders has made the cars sound, and look, less exciting than a few years ago. However, the demanding style of racing still exists today, and there are still just as many reasons to enjoy Formula One racing. At the top of that list is the racetrack. Every racetrack is a new experience, some a little more demanding than others. Whether it be the swerving nature of Albert Park, the sheer elevation changes in the corners of Spa, the thrilling Spoon curve at Suzuka or the constant speed of Monza, every track requires a different style and a different strategy.
I didn't start following the Formula One series to a great extent until the post-Schumacher years, but although new champions rise up, the tracks keep their charm and individuality. Here is a top 10 of my favourite tracks that featured in the past couple of seasons. I'm not going to pretend that I know everything about the way a racetrack should be - remember I actually hardly know that much about the mechanics of racing itself, I just happen to have an opinion just like any other human being. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this special entry!
#10: Hungaroring
Favourite Corner: 6
The best part of the Hungaroring comes from turns 6 to 13. Before this section, the climb up the track includes a nice, downshifting turn (3) before making the climb into the swerving second sector. Turn 6 is the clear track highlight, a blind turn that challenges the driver to put his foot down as flat as he dares to. Beyond this turn comes a nice set of corners (8 through to 12) that hardly allow the driver to keep the steering wheel horizontal. Beyond this is a fairly routine run to the finish, with the final few corners providing nowhere near the challenges of the middle.
#9: Catalunya
Favourite Corners: 5, 9
This classic Spanish track, which is full of flow and very little stop/start corners, is full of fun. It has one of the most exciting starts of a track, with the driver always giving full, alternating turns of the wheel between the first three corners. The subtle elevation change in turn 5 demands careful driving, while the near-blind rise into Campsa (turn 9) is another definite track highlight. A slightly more technical 2nd half of the track provides a contrast to the sheer open curves of the first and second sectors. A simple, but full-throttle, final turn leads into one of F1's best straights.
#8: Nurburgring
Favourite Corner: 10
Out of the two German tracks that share rights to the Formula One round every season, the Nurburgring wins out over the redesigned Hockenheimring. The track comes out on top for a few reasons. The run from 8 to 10 is glorious. Drivers pick up the throttle early into 8 and make a great exit before flying through the Michael Schumacher Chicane with the foot down. A full speed turn 14 is another highlight. Although (in my opinion) this track is a step back in quality from the pure monster that is its older brother, the Nordschleife (Northern Loop), this track is full of great moments.
#7: Suzuka
Favourite Corner: 14
A true surprise package from Japan which includes the famous Spoon curve and 130R turn. The climb from turns 3 to 7 pulls some nice G forces, all while making a challenging ascent. Much of the elevation changes come from the circuit's unique figure-8 layout. It makes the track a track of two distinct halves, and I love that. 130R is a huge, downhill sweep that signals the run home to the finish. Taken at up to 310 km/h in the modern F1 car, it demands careful driving on the apex. Once that run is finished, a huge hit of the brakes marks the final chicane, and then the finish line. Start it all again.
#6: Istanbul
Favourite Turn: 8
I think I've even surprised myself by adding this to my list, but what can I say? It surprised me. Full turns, insane speeds and tons of elevation. It's everything you could want in a track. Turn 8 is the obvious attention-grabbing point of the track - a four-apex thriller. Turn 1 is a beautiful, downhill sweep to the left. It is, along with the first turn of Albert Park, one of my favourite opening corners in the series. The track has amazing flow compared to other tracks of the Middle East and Asia. And finally, how could I not include Istanbul with what is easily the most stunning pit complex in the competition?
#5: Silverstone
Favourite Corners: 3 & 4
This is a track that is full of history, and even with a redesign for this year's Grand prix, it still retains its brilliance. One of the greatest parts about the track is the ample opportunity for overtaking. Stowe (7) is one fine example, along with the new Abbey corner on the redesigned section. Maggotts and Becketts are a great set of corners with over 4G's of force that are the track highlight for me, and many other fans as well. The new Arena segment is challenging, but still with plenty of speed, and takes nothing away from the track. With a guaranteed stay in F1 until at least 2026, this historic circuit will provide many more years of great moments.
#4: Interlagos
Favourite Corners: 1 & 15
My goodness they used to know how to make racetracks back then. This track has phenomenal overtaking potential, most notably on the downhill stretch of the exciting Senna 'S' bend, through to the long, wide turn 3. The track is as bumpy as they come. The run home from turn 13 through to 15 is taken at breakneck pace while darting uphill. It's a joy to watch the cars struggle up the back stretch for such a lengthy amount of time, putting huge strains on their engines - in a similar fashion to Monza. This track is the jewel of Brazil.
#3: Monza
Favourite Corner: 8
The engine-killer. The gearbox-breaker. Drivers spend about 75-80% of the time with their foot to the floor on this Italian juggernaut. It's all about how well you can stop and get it going again. Consistently. The track is just 8 corners, the last of which (Curva Parabolica) is just a dab of the break and a huge acceleration to the right. It's another one of my favourite corners in racing. If carried out well it can provide a daring braking opportunity into turn 1. Even though there is little technical points in the track design, flat-out fun is what Monza dishes out and I never grow tired of it.
#2: Monaco
Favourite Corner: 9
Is it possible to like a track equally for it's technical aspects as much as the scenery and history that surrounds it? In fact, I think it may be necessary to do so. Amidst the gorgeous buildings, casinos and harbour lies the most claustrophobic track in the world. There is a reason winning this race is considered a lifetime achievement in itself - the next best thing to winning a championship. If I am forced to pick one particular point of interest, it is the tunnel on turn 9. You only have to watch a replay to see how difficult it is for drivers to adjust to the changing light conditions. The Grand Hotel hairpin (6) is now one of the most iconic images in F1 racing, if not, world racing. This tight, menacing piece of tarmac is probably worthy of being an equal #1 on my list, but here is the track in question.
#1: Spa-Francorchamps
Favourite Corners: 2-4 & 17
Probably the greatest racetrack in the world, as far as I see it. It has the greatest elevation change compared to all the others listed here - easily. Eau Rouge is the greatest segment of turns in the calendar. Drivers actually need to go faster than normal to keep enough downforce through the infamous down and up section, which explains the dizzying speeds seen as drivers go over the blind turn 4 exit. Once the pinnacle of the track is reached, at around turn 7, so begins the most dangerous set of turns you will see in racing. All of them downhill. All of them different variations. The pick of these turns are Pouhon at 12 and Blanchimont at 17. Pouhon hits drivers with almost 5G's of force, and is effictively a double-apex turn, instead of the separated 12 & 13. Blanchimont is raw power, and comparable to Suzuka's 130R in style. Except this time the elevation is more exaggerated. A simple paragraph cannot possibly sum up the joy of watching races on this track.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this list as much as I enjoyed making it. I look forward to seeing all these tracks returning next year, including the new Jaypee Group Circuit in India. A huge 20-round calendar awaits us next season.
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