Spa "single-lap rush" gone for Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo believes the "single-lap rush" of Spa has now disappeared given the performance of today's Formula 1 cars.

The Belgian Grand Prix circuit used to provide an element of fear and respect, notably going through and up the depression of Eau Rouge, which in the past could not be taken flat-out.

But such are the levels of downforce these days, while the respect remains, all fear has been erased.

"Spa is so iconic," said Ricciardo. "I think everyone knows why it’s a great place to race and one of the jewels in the Formula 1 crown.

"Nowadays, I actually get more of a thrill from racing there rather than in qualifying. We’ve done so many laps there in the high-downforce cars that a bit of that single-lap rush has gone.

"Eau Rouge is full throttle and in race trim with a big tank of fuel in someone’s slipstream, it becomes a real corner where you’re sliding on four wheels, which is pretty epic.

"There’s also Pouhon and Blanchimont, which are not that easy in race conditions. It’s a place where you can overtake, you can defend and it’s high-speed racing. It’s so intense and I really like it."

The race spearheads F1's third consecutive triple-header of grands prix, to be followed by events at Monza and Mugello.

Ricciardo, a previous winner at Spa in 2014, while he was also second in 2016 and third in 2017, all with Red Bull, claims the races are taking their toll, but in an unusual way.

"It’s strange actually as you’re the most race fit you’ve been because you’re in the car so much," explained Ricciardo. "In the car, I feel as strong as I ever have.

"It’s the days off when you feel it. In between races, you feel flatter and more fatigued and there’s not a whole lot of training going on. It’s really resting and recovering. [But] We’re driving so regularly our body is maintaining a lot of that race fitness."

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