Nurburgring isn't the only huge circuit we are looking forward to learning (and learning, and learning...)
The Belgium circuit at Spa-Franchorchamps is just over half the length of the 'Ring, (Spa is 8.77 miles or 14.1 kms to the 'Ring at 14.2 miles or 20.8 kms.) But even at this length it will be great to learn.
Like the Nurburging posting earlier I have included a link to a map of the Spa circuit as it was laid out previous to the use of the new Grand Prix circuit from 1979.
( http://www.racesimcentral.net/)
According to information given to me the race in Grand Prix Legends will last 28 laps making the total race distance a marathon 394.8 kms.
The cars here absolutely flew though and the average race speed was 234.9 km/h.
The 1967 Grand Prix of Belgium.
Qualifying
1. Jim Clark 2. Dan Gurney 3. Graham Hill
Lotus Eagle Lotus
3:28.1 3:31.2 3:32.9
Race
1. Dan Gurney Eagle 1:40:49.4 (234.9 km/h avg)
2. Jackie Stewart BRM + 1:03.0
3. Chris Amon Ferrari + 1:40.0
Fastest Lap Dan Gurney Eagle 3:31.9
Interestingly here there were no suspension failure related retirements (officially). The high speeds of the mainly sweeping and flowing circuit stressed the engines more and accounted for 75% of retirements in this race.
I don't think we had previously touched on this (although many may be aware from startline screen shots) but the grid is formed on a 3 - 2 - 3 basis. That is the front row has three cars in a line, the second row two, then three then two... It will be interesting to blast off at the start from the middle of a three car row, snaking and trying to get the power down cleanly to get a good start. There may be a good deal of practiced race starts if the GPL AI Cars are well programmed. Unlike the disgusting starts the GP cars make in F1GP2 aloowing you to pass a good half or more of them before the first corner...
As with the Nurburgring posting I hope this information is as accurate as I believe it to be, that is of interest to many of you, and look forward to reading your thought and comments on this circuit.
Kind Regards,
Matt Wilson