With the FV circus descended upon the flowing Brno Circuit, we'll be breaking down some key features of this circuit to keep an eye out for - courtesy of analysis from Phoenix's very own Deputy Team Principal Sven Schubert. Two Wheels or Four?
This circuit is predominantly used by MotoGP for its races, and the Formula Virtual cars will be by far the fastest vehicles on either two wheels or four wheels to race here. This will test the limits of not only the teams trying to set up for such an unknown, but also the drivers as they'll have very little to work with when it comes to reference points. Crank Up the Wings! Brno is undoubtedly a circuit where downforce and grip is king - you'll see teams definitely racing and perhaps even testing high aero concepts here. With high speed turns like turn one (which might be possible flat out for the bravest drivers) and the final chicane, the cars and tyres will be pushed to the edges of grip, while those with the most efficient downforce packages will find time over their rivals in the plentiful flowing medium speed turns. The downside to this is there are very few heavy braking zones - expect traditional overtaking to be difficult, and instead moves will be about strategy, opportunism and thinking outside of the box. "Czech Spa Francorchamps" The Brno Automotodrom is a truly old school circuit, and this is evident from its styling, to its run-off (or lack of), to its reputation as the "Czech Spa Francorchamps". Located within a forest in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, drivers will be reminded of years gone past when daring drivers darted around narrow circuits, with danger always looming around the next bend. The drivers will find little to no tarmac run-off here, but instead will be greeted by green grass or the dreaded gravel traps that can easily end a driver's race. What tarmac they do find will be incredibly dusty, where the circuit is not used as frequently as some other venues, so the drivers can't rely on that as a safe escape either. 3rd Gear or Higher The drivers will find themselves in gears 3-5 for the majority of corners, obviously going up to 7th on the straights. But with very few slow corners, it will rarely be the best choice to put the car down into any gears lower than 3rd, such is the excellent flow of this circuit, and indicative of its Motorcycle friendly design. Even in the slowest infield section, known to some as the "Omega" section, the cars will still happily make their way through the turns in a comfortable 3rd gear. Traction however will still be difficult, as a lot of traction zones are through corners and/or off camber and moving off of the racing line will offer very little grip due to the dust and debris out there. So expect to see cars looking very twitchy around here. All in all, this is a new opportunity for Formula Virtual and for the Czech Republic; not to mention the fans here who are some of the most passionate, crazy fans you'll find in the world. The teams and drivers will have simulated as much as they can, but nothing will prepare them for the on track experience of a new circuit, and this is set to be a highly unique challenge for all involved.
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