AT&T Williams F1

I’ve never driven at Spa-Francorchamps in a Formula 1 car and I cannot wait to get started. In GP2 the track felt fast, so I’m sure it will be quite something in the FW30 this weekend. The fast corners – Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimont – will be high-G and exciting, but I like the whole track because you can get into a good rhythm.

People tell me that Spa is a race more like F1 used to be. We stay in a small hotel near the track that is comfortable, but not flash, and the trees give the place an earthy feel. The lap is long, so you really feel like you’re travelling somewhere – a bit like the old Spa and the Nurburgring Nordschleife. On this note, I was very sad to hear reports yesterday that the organisers are thinking of shortening the track in time for next year’s race; that would be a travesty.

Looking ahead to the race, I’m not sure what to expect. The car hasn’t been that strong on medium downforce tracks like Spa so far this year, but we’ve been constantly upgrading and improving it, so let’s wait and see. One thing I will definitely try and do is avoid another first lap accident as happened in Valencia!