Hamilton: Spa should never be taken off the calendar

Reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton can't wait to travel to Belgium to race at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Briton is a big fan of the Belgian track and says the track should never been taken off the calendar. "It's also a magnificent circuit, a place where you can really push the limits of a Formula 1 car: driving through Eau Rouge, Pouhon or Blanchimont is an incredible sensation – your whole body is on the limit and you are still pushing to go faster still. I love Spa – I don't think it should ever leave the Formula 1 calendar.

"Like Monaco, Silverstone and Monza, it's one of the historic circuits that I grew up watching on television when I was younger – which makes it just that bit more special for me, because it's so easy to imagine the heroes of the past racing here."

Hamilton's teammate Heikki Kovalainen completely agrees. "I think everyone in Formula 1 looks forward to Spa. For the drivers, the circuit is a fantastic challenge: unlike some of the places we visit, Spa has real character, and it's a place where the confidence and commitment of the driver can make a difference. The big corners mean you need to be brave and take risks – and also mean you'll have a big accident if you get it wrong. I love this place, I think it's the best circuit on the calendar."

This weekend's Grand Prix weekend will be the 42nd time the track plays host to the Belgian Grand Prix since it first organised the race back in 1950.