Before heading to Spa-Francorchamps for the second round of the 2020 European Le Mans Series, the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Phil Hanson, driver of the n° 22 United Autosports Oreca 07, told us his best memories of Belgian track…
“My first test in Europe was actually at Spa in a car in GT3 Audi R8 back when I was 16 and still karting. It was a typically mixed conditioned track but I remember being in awe of the undulations.”
He went on to add: “Last year’s LMP2 ELMS win definitely has to be my favourite memory. It came after my most disappointing weekend that year with a double DNF at Silverstone during the WEC/ELMS double header. The win was made even more sweet due to a puncture three quarters of the way through the race after leading from the start. But the team brought us back into contention at the end with a gamble on strategy, hunting down the leader nearly 20 seconds ahead.”
Spa is made up of some many iconic corners, but what is Phil’s favourite section of the circuit?
“Although Eau Rouge is the most unique corner on the circuit, I would have to say the second sector is my favourite section as there is a rhythm to the corners as you descend down the hill… Key to the perfect lap is having a good feeling for the grip available, and crucially not making a mistake as a lot of the corners are set up by your exit of the corner before.”
Finally, we asked Phil if he could race against any other driver at Spa (dead or alive), who would it be and why? “I never know how to answer these questions,” admits Phil, before concluding: “Maybe the early nineties during Michael Schumacher’s dominant years. More so to be able to drive the V12 engine F1 cars.”
“My first test in Europe was actually at Spa in a car in GT3 Audi R8 back when I was 16 and still karting. It was a typically mixed conditioned track but I remember being in awe of the undulations.”
He went on to add: “Last year’s LMP2 ELMS win definitely has to be my favourite memory. It came after my most disappointing weekend that year with a double DNF at Silverstone during the WEC/ELMS double header. The win was made even more sweet due to a puncture three quarters of the way through the race after leading from the start. But the team brought us back into contention at the end with a gamble on strategy, hunting down the leader nearly 20 seconds ahead.”
Spa is made up of some many iconic corners, but what is Phil’s favourite section of the circuit?
“Although Eau Rouge is the most unique corner on the circuit, I would have to say the second sector is my favourite section as there is a rhythm to the corners as you descend down the hill… Key to the perfect lap is having a good feeling for the grip available, and crucially not making a mistake as a lot of the corners are set up by your exit of the corner before.”
Finally, we asked Phil if he could race against any other driver at Spa (dead or alive), who would it be and why? “I never know how to answer these questions,” admits Phil, before concluding: “Maybe the early nineties during Michael Schumacher’s dominant years. More so to be able to drive the V12 engine F1 cars.”
