RS4 at Spa - awesome
Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 11:18 am
I have just returned from a day at Spa in the RS4. It really must be the best track in the world. Every corner is a challenge. From 5th gear straights to 2nd gear chicanes and hair pins to blind rises on the limit. I can't stop thinking about it. Eau rouge at over 100mph is just mind blowing. No, I did not take it flat - as the instructor said - no one should. You have to tap off and dab the brakes at the bottom to settle the car and you will come out faster. Seemed to work.
I had the very great privilege of driving Derek Bell around for a few laps (said he raced RS4's in the US) and then an even greater privilege having him drive me round in my car. There probably isn't a more experienced driver at Spa. The way the car just went where he pointed it was very interesting. His relaxed driving style was amazing too. I learnt a lot about how to handle the car.
I also had great pleasure in catching and overtaking an M3. In fact I passed it down the straight into Eau Rouge. He came up to me afterwards and asked what I had in the car because it made him look like he was standing still. (uh oh, I suppose I will upset all the bmw fans now). As I have said before, the RS4 is a match for Porsche Turbos too. There were 2 there. I couldn't overtake but held them lap after lap. The Turbo pulls away a few car lengths every lap. What was interesting is that it does not pull away out of the chicane in second gear. I guess a chipped RS4 would be able to go past.
I had the very great privilege of driving Derek Bell around for a few laps (said he raced RS4's in the US) and then an even greater privilege having him drive me round in my car. There probably isn't a more experienced driver at Spa. The way the car just went where he pointed it was very interesting. His relaxed driving style was amazing too. I learnt a lot about how to handle the car.
I also had great pleasure in catching and overtaking an M3. In fact I passed it down the straight into Eau Rouge. He came up to me afterwards and asked what I had in the car because it made him look like he was standing still. (uh oh, I suppose I will upset all the bmw fans now). As I have said before, the RS4 is a match for Porsche Turbos too. There were 2 there. I couldn't overtake but held them lap after lap. The Turbo pulls away a few car lengths every lap. What was interesting is that it does not pull away out of the chicane in second gear. I guess a chipped RS4 would be able to go past.