More support for Spa: 'I wish it stays on F1 calendar'

The contract with Formula One Management (FOM) expires after the upcoming race at the end of July. If South Africa is allowed to host a Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit next year, Spa is likely to be the child of the bill. Speaking to GPblog earlier, Daniil Kvyat wondered aloud if Formula 1 could actually do without a race at Spa, Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi, therefore, knows the answer.

'It's fantastic'

"I wish that it would stay in the Formula 1 calendar," the two-time Grand Prix driver tells this site. "It's such an iconic track. Every time I drive here, it's an amazing track. Yes, with the WEC car as well. Any car you drive here, it's amazing."

Spa-Francorchamps is among the most iconic circuits on the calendar, with Raidillon being one of the most famous stretches of asphalt in Formula 1. Almost all drivers consider the track in the Walloon part of Belgium among their favourites. "It's such a complete track," continued Fittipaldi. "The track is so smooth. Everything flows well. I've never driven a Formula 1 car here on this track. But I can imagine it's crazy."

'Other factors come into play'

Support for Spa staying longer on the F1 calendar is strong. However, FOM has not always proved responsive to such entreaties. Still, Fittipaldi hopes that in this case, things will work out for the Belgians after all: "I think for sure Spa should stay on the Formula 1 calendar. But I know there are other factors involved. Sometimes people don't know everything. It's difficult to judge without knowing everything that's going on. But as a driver, for sure you want the track up on the calendar."