GRR

Video: Qualifying a Ford GT40 at Spa takes astonishing skill

28th July 2023
Simon Ostler

Formula 1 rolls into Spa this weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, and even in pretty soggy conditions the modern cars iron out a lot of what makes this circuit such a monumental challenge. So we thought it would be nice to take a look at what it’s like to drive on this titanic track in a car without innumerable levels of downforce.

We’re riding onboard a Ford GT40 as the driver embarks on a qualifying lap. First things first, good grief does it sound good. That V8 roar is to die for as it thunders down the start/finish straight towards La Source. We power slide out of the hairpin and storm down the Hill, Ear Rouge looming in the distance.

Watching Formula 1, it can be so easy to forget just what a challenge the climb through Eau Rouge over the top of the Raidillon is. An enormous lift off the throttle is a necessity, as the driver saws away at the wheel to keep the car between the curbs at what is still incredibly high speed.

Open up the engine again down the Kemmel Straight, and into the rest of the lap, slipping and sliding through each and every corner. If you needed reminding why Spa is such a special place, watch this video to the end.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Tiff Needell tests epic '90s Super Tourers

  • Elevenses

  • Video

  • Onboard

  • Ford

  • GT40

  • Spa

Goodwood Revival Racing Experience

2025 DATES NOW LIVE
https://www.goodwood.com/globalassets/hero-videos/experiences/motor-circuit/goodwood-revival-racing-online-video-cutter.com.mp4
ford_gt40_spa_goodwood_video_04012024_list.jpg

Historic

Video: Learning to drive a Ford GT40 at Spa

04th January

elevenses-ford-gt40-spa-qualifying.jpg

Historic

Video: Qualifying a Ford GT40 at Spa takes astonishing skill

28th July 2023

elevenses-ford-gt-gt1-mugello-1.jpg

Historic

Video: Ford GT GT1 racer roars around Mugello

08th July 2022

ford_gt40_spa_goodwood_list.jpg

Historic

Video: Pushing the limits in a GT40 around Spa

03rd July 2023

elevenses-ford-gt40-in-the-wet-onboard.jpg

Historic

Video: Racing a GT40 in torrential rain at Goodwood

22nd March

elevenses_corvette_silverstone_16042024_list.jpg

Historic

Video: Manic Corvette vs GT40 battle at Silverstone

16th April

kenny-brack-ford-gt40-adrian-newey-onboard-revival-2013-video-goodwood-11082020.jpg

Goodwood Revival

Video: Kenny Bräck monsters the GT40 in the wet

11th August 2020

foreverelton_rgb_website-4.jpg

Modern

Video: Autonomous racing car completes a lap of Monza

09th January