Part 12

Master the Belgium and Hungary circuits in F1 26. Learn optimal lines, braking points, and penalty risks for every corner.

Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

The Belgium circuit is a well-storied course with a scenic forest setting, known for being one of the longer tracks.

Hungary (Hungaroring)

The Hungaroring circuit features wide run-off areas, crucial for Turn 1, especially at the race start where traffic can back up tremendously. Qualifying near the top is imperative.

Pit Straight (Hungary): This is the highest point on the course, a very long straightaway leading to Turn 1.

Turn 1 (Hungary): This right-hand hairpin is entirely downhill, requiring early and consistent braking. Overrunning the corner leads to a large sand trap, while hitting the inside rumble strips can cause your car to spin violently.

Turns 2 and 3 (Hungary): After a short straightaway, Turn 2 is a left-hand 'J' turn needing light braking; missing the corner leads to an immovable barrier. Turn 3 is a right-hand corner best taken at full throttle to set up passes on the ensuing straightaway.

Turn 4 (Hungary): This moderate left-hand corner might need light braking or can be taken flat-out depending on your car's downforce setup. Overrunning results in ample kitty litter.

Turn 5 (Hungary): Moderate braking is needed for this right-hand 'J' turn. Sand is present on both sides for run-offs.

Turns 6 and 7 (Hungary): This right-left chicane is sensitive to short-cutting, with virtually any instance resulting in a Stop-Go Penalty. Turn 6 requires heavy braking, while Turn 7 needs light braking. Be cautious of the barrier on the right when exiting Turn 7 too wide.

Turn 8 (Hungary): This moderate left-hand corner may require light braking or can be taken at full speed with sufficient downforce.

Turn 9 (Hungary): Immediately after Turn 8, this right-hand corner requires moderate braking. Accelerate strongly out of Turn 9 to create passing opportunities.

Turn 10 (Hungary): An easy left-hand corner that can be taken at top speed, offering a prime passing spot if you accelerated well out of Turn 9.

Turn 11 (Hungary): This right-hand turn requires moderate braking to avoid the kitty litter.

Turns 12 and 13 (Hungary): This right-left chicane is also sensitive to short-cutting. While slowing is officially recommended, it's possible to take at full throttle using rumble strips with adequate downforce, though this is difficult in wet conditions.

Turn 14 (Hungary): A wide left-hand 'J' turn. The outside has sand, but a metal barrier appears halfway around, so do not overrun the corner. The course begins its uphill trajectory here.

Turn 15 (Hungary): The Pit Lane entry is on the left at the start of this final uphill, right-hand hairpin. Beware of slower cars on the right. There is little room for error if you overrun the corner. Accelerate strongly out to pass along the Pit Straight.

Pit Entry (Hungary): The Pit Lane begins at the entry of Turn 15 on the right. Slow down or avoid accelerating significantly at the end of Turn 14.

Belgium Specifics (from Part 12 source):

Final Long Straightaway (Belgium): Features extra pavement on the left, marked by orange cones. The CPU does not issue a Stop-Go Penalty for using this area, making it a potential passing zone. This area begins shortly after the Ayrton Senna chicane exit and ends at the Stadium entry. Using this pavement provides a better racing line for Turn 10.

Turn 10 (Entrance to the Stadium: Agip Curve) (Belgium): Light braking may be needed, but it's possible to pass through without braking, especially if you used the extra pavement on the left beforehand. A short straightaway follows.

Turn 11 (Continuing through the Stadium: Sachscurve) (Belgium): A wide, left-hand hairpin. Be careful not to overrun the corner and go into the grass on entry or exit.

Straightaway (Continuing through the Stadium) (Belgium): A short straightaway with a left fade, followed by a right fade.

Turns 12 and 13 (Exiting the Stadium: Opel) (Belgium): Turn 12 is a somewhat tight right-hand corner requiring moderate braking. The old course rejoins from the left on exit, allowing recovery if you run wide. The final corner (Turn 13) is a right-hand corner needing light braking. The Pit Lane entry is to the right just before the official Turn 13. Unless pitting, you can accelerate out of the Stadium all the way to the Jim Clark chicane.

Pit Entry (Belgium): The Pit Lane begins to the right at the entry of Turn 13.