Top 3 overtakes through Raidillion Eau Rouge at the Belgian GP over the years
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Mark Webber overtaking Fernando Alonso into Eau Rouge from the 2011 Belgian GP
The Belgian GP at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of Formula 1’s most iconic race tracks and events. While there have been a few Belgian Grands Prix that were not at Spa back in the 70s and early 80s, for the most part, since 1950. Well-loved by fans and drivers alike, there has been no shortage of memorable moments at the track.
Despite its iconic status and much-loved racing, the future of the Belgian GP has been in some doubt. The future is rather uncertain and may go one way, or the other. In such a situation, the upcoming race this week might be the last one for some while, and fans would want to take it in fully while it is still there.
Last year, the Grand Prix had been cancelled due to heavy rain conditions, and the race had started and ended behind a safety car, as it was red-flagged in just 3 laps, and half-points were distributed for everyone in a point-scoring position. Rain is forecasted for Sunday again, and one can hope that this one doesn’t end as the last year’s race did.
In the build-up to the upcoming event, here are some of the best overtakes at an iconic sequence of corners – Raidillion/Eau Rouge.
Mark Webber on Fernando Alonso – 2011
Mark Webber’s race had started rather badly, with his car going into anti-stall, but he would recover it, making an absolutely breathtaking overtake along the way as well. The first round of pit stops began on lap 5, and Mark Webber dove in.
On the next lap, when he came round, Fernando Alonso was just exiting the pits, and Webber was right behind him. The two raced down to turn 3, and went into it side by side, only narrowly avoiding contact. Webber won out, and Alonso had to yield, and Webber was in the lead going up the corner. He eventually finished second, behind teammate Sebastian Vettel, who won the race.
Pierre Gasly on Sergio Perez – 2020
This was kind of the opposite of what had happened with Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso. In the lead-up to the corner, Sergio Perez had almost squeezed Gasly into the wall, but Gasly did not yield, and they went side by side into the corner. From the inside, Gasly won out the tussle and went ahead going into the Kemmel straight.
Valtteri Bottas on Brendon Hartley – 2018
This one was pretty similar to the one with Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso. Valtteri Bottas had started 17th, after taking engine penalties, and was climbing his way up through the field. Of course, the Toro Rosso was no match for the Mercedes, but the overtake itself was a thing of beauty, with Martin Brundle calling it ‘one to tell your grandchildren’.
What is your favourite overtake at Eau Rouge?
Also Read: Belgian GP 2021: How George Russell wowed everyone with an incredible P2 start
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Aniket Tripathi
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