Mettet

Officially opened on March 12, 2010, the Circuit Jules Tacheny was built on a 34.6-acre site with a 13-metre slope over natural hills that guarantee a panoramic view of the entire track.

Being a technical track with quality infrastructure and a central location in Belgium mean the circuit Jules Tacheny is sure to become a favourite for LoT. The circuit, suitable for both cars and motorbikes, is unique insofar as it can be set up according to who is using it and for what purpose: the event organiser can choose to use one chicane or another as needed. A hard shoulder around the whole of the track is ideal for cars requiring attention mid-race, emergency services, and of course, reporters.

A very tricky couple of corners to start the lap off. You’ll be approaching these first corners at high speed after the start finish straight. Carry plenty of speed into the first corner Surtees, clipping the inside curb before letting the car drift out into the middle of track. This will position the car nicely for Anderson, where a touch of curb can also be used to help turn the car. Trail braking is crucial through this complex to keep the front tyres loaded. Too much speed and you’ll wash wide into Anderson, too little and you’ll tighten the line and have a poor exit. A touch of throttle can be used between the two corners to keep momentum.

As you exit Anderson, the car will naturally wash out to the right-hand side exit curb. Keep the car parallel to the curb, before brushing the brakes and taking a late apex through Findlay. This will widen the entry to Agostini, and allow you to get on the power early and carry more speed down the following straight. Patience is key through these two corners. Make sure to not carry too much speed into Findlay as, even though you may be quicker into the complex, you’ll be much slower onto the straight. Remember, the whole purpose of Findlay is to set yourself up for Agostini and the straight that follows.

Following the straight, you’ll approach a reasonably tight right-hand hairpin. A late apex is needed into this corner. Plenty of speed can be carried in, however, make sure to get back over to the right-hand side on exit to position yourself for Hubin which is a medium speed left into right chicane that drops downhill. Again, it’s important to not carry too much speed into the left, as you will be pushed wide and out of position. A fair amount of curb can be used through the right hander to help turn the car and widen the complex, but make sure to get back over to the right-hand side ready for the left hander of Mertens that follows.

A very late apex is needed here. Brake deep into the corner and keep the car to the right-hand side before turning sharply to apex right at the end of the turn. The best way to think about this corner is to take a line that resembles a “V” where little time is spent at the apex. This will allow you to get on the power earlier and get a better run down the following straight, as the car will not be turning through the power phase of the corner. Too early of a turn in will create lots of problems on the exit, so really focus on a late apex and let the car run wide to the right-hand side before heading down the back straight unto Chambon, the corner with the highest speed of the lap.

Depending on the car, Chambon will either be flat out, or a small lift to 50-60% throttle. Make sure to not lift off once you’ve committed however, as this may create lift off oversteer. There’s a fair amount of camber here, so use that to your advantage and don’t turn in too late. Definitely a corner to build up to as the day goes on.

After Chambon keep the car to the right hand side to prepare for Paquay, a tight left hand hairpin. Again, a late apex is needed here. Be careful not to get on the power too early, as this will wash you wide on the exit, patience is once again key. Focus on unwinding the steering proportionally to your throttle inputs and use plenty of kerb on the exit. Pit entry is on the right-hand side as you exit.

Mots aimablement fournis par Toby Goodman (Moniteur & Champion en Production de la Lotus Cup Europe).