Former Method 1 driver David Coulthard has mirrored on the unforgiving nature of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, recalling his terrifying junior system crash that resulted in a damaged leg.
The 13-time grand prix winner detailed the distinction between trendy F1 equipment and Nineteen Nineties vehicles when tackling the legendary Belgian circuit.
When requested if the well-known Eau Rouge and Raidillon mixture was an „simple flat-out“ nook throughout his racing years within the newest episode of the Up To Velocity podcast, Coulthard defined: „It was not a simple flat-out as a result of we did not have the tarmac run-off on the prime of the hill on the left-hand facet.
„So we had the type of threading the attention of the tarmac needle, after which in the event you did make a mistake and transcend the kerb, you have been in gravel or grass, which led to what can be an enormous accident. It is a circuit the place you completely need to respect the nook, and it is a high-speed curler coaster.“
Coulthard recounted a brutal accident he suffered early in his profession whereas competing within the Method Opel Lotus Euroseries, an F1 assist collection. The Scotsman defined that, because of the delicate suspension of the junior vehicles, the immense compression on the backside of the Eau Rouge dip triggered the chassis to rub on the bottom, leading to a sudden lack of aerodynamic load on the tyres.
The view from the brand new grandstand at Eau Rouge
Picture by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
„I received spun round on the primary lap by Kenny Brack,“ Coulthard recalled. „I hit the barrier on the left-hand facet, got here again in entrance of the pack and one other automotive T-boned me proper on the facet of the chassis, which compressed the aluminium, and I broke my proper leg.
„I bear in mind when the sphere have been coming spherical on the finish of the primary lap, and I used to be out of the automotive on the grass. I bear in mind Gil de Ferran giving me a thumbs as much as examine if I used to be OK. And I bear in mind simply bursting into tears as a result of I knew I had damaged my leg. And that was that.
„They took me to the medical centre as a result of we have been within the F1 assist race. Sid Watkins, who was the legendary medical officer for Method 1, got here into the room. They reduce my race swimsuit off me, and I had my fortunate underpants on, which had holes in them. And my mom was introduced into the medical room as properly, and he or she was very dissatisfied to see I had holey underpants on.“
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