The corner where, on the final lap of the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton prepared to pass Timo Glock for the fifth place that would claim his maiden world title isn't the only reason why he's included it on his ultimate lap. A tricky corner in its own right, a clean exit is vital because Hamilton needs to carry as much speed as possible all the way to the final corner on the lap.
“This is a very bumpy left-hander,” he reveals, “It slopes downhill and you can carry more speed than you initially think is possible because a compression in the middle of the corner helps to turn the car. You're really on the limit and you need amazing car control to keep a hold of it.”
10. Copse, Silverstone (7th gear, 290 kph, 4.5g)
One of the fastest corners on any grand prix circuit, Copse grabs Hamilton's attention in more ways than one. He approaches it in seventh gear and literally throws the car towards the apex barrier, which separates pit-lane and track and makes the 273km/h corner completely blind. The direction of the wind influences car performance through the corner because a headwind generates more aerodynamic downforce than a tailwind.
“You can't touch the brakes,” Hamilton insists, “You have to turn in with a small lift and just hope you get round. If the conditions are right, you can take Copse without a lift, but that's pretty scary!”
From there, he lets the MP4-23 run onto the flat exit kerb and powers his way across the start-finish line to begin another lap.
Do Lewis' selections match your idea of the perfect combination for a grand prix circuit? Are they chosen more for driver enjoyment than passing opportunities? Are there better options? Let us know via the Crash.net Forum....
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