Masta Kink corner
Here’s everything you need to know about the dreaded Masta Kink corner of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit
The Masta Kink was renowned as one of the most formidable sections on any race track globally, demanding a perfect blend of skill and courage. Following a lengthy stretch from Malmédy, the cars would accelerate to their maximum speeds before confronting Masta, a high-speed left-right chicane.
An optimal exit speed from Masta was crucial since it was succeeded by another long straight leading to Stavelot. Towards the end of old Spa’s racing era, cars were skillfully maneuvering through Masta at speeds surpassing 190mph (305kph) and even higher.
After the 1970 race, the Masta section was no longer part of F1 racing, and its removal was partly due to its own safety issues. The catalyst for improving safety in motor racing was Jackie Stewart’s accident in 1966 when his BRM flipped and ended up upside-down in a farmhouse cellar outside the corner.
The crash resulted in fuel leaking out of the tank onto Stewart, who was already suffering from broken ribs. Fortunately, a fire did not ignite, but this incident spurred Stewart’s crusade for enhanced safety measures.
Another tragic event occurred during the 1973 24-hour sportscar race, where three drivers lost their lives, marking yet another grim moment in motorsport history. Amidst one of his pitstops in the darkness of the night, Hans-Joachim Stuck urgently warned his co-driver Jochen Mass about something concerning at the Masta Kink. Shouting over the noise, he cautioned Mass to “look out for body parts” in that section. As they approached the Masta Kink, Mass prepared to see scattered car debris on the road, but tragically, he was horrified to find the remains of an unfortunate marshal instead.
1. La Source: This is the first corner of the circuit, located at the end of the start/finish straight. It is a hairpin turn that requires drivers to slow down significantly before beginning their climb up the Eau Rouge hill.
2. Eau Rouge: One of the most famous corners in motorsport, Eau Rouge is a fast and sweeping uphill left-right-left combination. It is known for its high-speed and challenging nature, and drivers often take it flat-out or with minimal lift.
3. Raidillon: Immediately following Eau Rouge, Raidillon is a steep uphill left-hand corner. It is the continuation of the Eau Rouge complex and is also taken at high speed, leading to the Kemmel Straight.
4. Les Combes: After the long Kemmel Straight, Les Combes is a series of quick and challenging turns, comprising a left-right-left combination. It tests the driver’s precision and control.
5. Malmedy: Following Les Combes, Malmedy is a fast right-hand bend that leads to the next section of the circuit.
6. Rivage: Rivage is a slow to medium-speed left-hand corner that requires good car balance and control.
7. Pouhon: One of the most demanding corners on the track, Pouhon is a double-left combination taken at high speed. It requires bravery and precision to navigate successfully.
8. Fagnes: Fagnes is a fast and flowing section of the track comprising sweeping curves that test the driver’s ability to maintain high speed through the corners.
9. Stavelot: Stavelot is a medium-speed right-hand corner that sets up the drivers for the next section of the track.
10. Blanchimont: This is a high-speed, flat-out left-hand corner taken at full throttle. It requires a lot of commitment from the drivers.
11. Bus Stop Chicane: The final chicane of the circuit, located at the end of the long straight before the start/finish line. It’s a crucial overtaking spot and often plays a significant role in the outcome of races.These corners, along with the circuit’s long straights and undulating terrain, make Spa-Francorchamps one of the most beloved and challenging circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
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