Belgian GP Thread - Contains Spoilers of Race/Qualifying & Practice - Sponsored by UnpredictableWeather.co.uk

[Fernando]

It's been a long month but the 2013 Formula 1 season finally recommences this weekend and what a place for the defining second half of the year to begin: Spa-Francorchamps.

The fast, flowing circuit that pierces through the Ardennes forest may not possess the obvious glamour of a Monaco or Singapore but for many reasons Belgium is one of the most eagerly anticipated stops on the calendar for both drivers and fans.

The composition of corners around what is the longest lap of the season - Eau Rouge, Pouhon, Blachimont... - remains a truly spectacular concoction and this year's race could be a classic with Lewis Hamilton's pre-summer break victory having breathed new life and expectation into the title race.

So read on below, and watch Anthony Davidson's expert track guide above, as Sky Sports Online gives you the lowdown on this weekend's event...
The 2013 Belgian GP in a nutshell

Track: Spa-Francorchamps. Permanent track.

Race start time: 1pm UK time Sunday (2pm local).

Track length: 7.004 km.

Tyre allocation: Medium (white) and hard (orange).

DRS Zones: Two - Half-way down Kemmel Straight between turns four and five and on the pit straight, with separate detection points.

Driver steward: TBA.

Lap record: Sebastian Vettel - 1:47.263 - (Red Bull; 2009).

2012 pole: Jenson Button - 1:47.573 (McLaren).

Form guide

Perhaps even more than is the case at Monaco, the roll of honour at Spa-Francorchamps is a real who's who of F1's greatest exponents.

Since the race returned permanently to the new-look Spa in 1985 only twice (by David Coulthard in 1999 and Felipe Massa in 2008) has the race not been won by a World Champion. Indeed of the five title winners on the current grid, four of them have triumphed in Belgium - with a victory apiece in each of the last four years in fact.

Curiously it's the most experienced of them all, Fernando Alonso, who has yet to add his name to the glittering winners' list. By the Spaniard's sky-high standards Spa is not traditionally one of his strongest events, with second and third places in 2006 and 2007 respectively his only two podium finishes in eight previous starts. Furthermore, Alonso has only once finished the race in the last four years, with last year's exit particularly frightening - as well as being damaging for his title chances - as Romain Grosjean's out-of-control Lotus came hurtling over the front of his Ferrari.

It's Kimi Raikkonen then who boasts the most impressive record here. Up until his return to F1 after a two-year sabbatical last year, the fearless Finn had a very straightforward record at Spa - he either won (which he did four times) or didn't make the finish. Third place with Lotus in 2012 was therefore not in keeping with that trend and so, on the back of yet another runner-up finish in Hungary, Raikkonen will be eyeing a fifth victory around the famous old circuit this weekend which would draw him level with Ayrton Senna and one behind ultimate Spa master Michael Schumacher in the all-time victory standings.

2012 result: 1. Jenson Button (McLaren); 2. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus); 4. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India); 5. Felipe Massa (Ferrari); 6. Mark Webber (Red Bull); 7. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes); 8. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso); 9. Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso); 10. Paul Di Resta (Force India).

Last five winners: 2012: Jenson Button (McLaren); 2011: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2010: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren); 2009: Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari); 2008: Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

Tyre allocation

Spa-Francorchamps' array of fast corners and resultant loading demands necessitate that Pirelli bring the hardest two tyres in their range to the race weekend, the medium and the hard.

Indeed, F1's tyre manufacturer states that the 7km circuit places the "highest vertical load on the front tyres all season, mainly due to Eau Rouge corner".

Of course, as any veteran watchers of the Belgian GP will know, the circuit has something of its own micro-climate and therefore it's rare that there is not some rain during the three-day race weekend irrespective of its traditional summer slot. The sheer length of the circuit also means that it can be raining hard on one part of the track but bone dry at another, making strategic calls on if and when to switch to intermediate or wet tyres particularly challenging.

Weather Forecast: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6296499

Source: Sky Sports

[GSC]

Rain due on saturday and sunday apparently

[Fernando]

Red Bull will no longer be announcing Ricciardo at Spa according to Helmut Marko.

"We will express ourselves when the time comes, and that will definitely not be at Spa."

Still expecting them to announce him further down the line.

[SteveG]

Red Bull will no longer be announcing Ricciardo at Spa according to Helmut Marko.

"We will express ourselves when the time comes, and that will definitely not be at Spa."

Still expecting them to announce him further down the line.

If its a done deal (and IMO it always was as RB were never gonna risk soiling Vettels precious stats book against someone as seasoned as Raikkonen) then what's with the waiting? Just get on with it.

[Fernando]

Maybe they've realized that Ricciardo is crap compared to JEV? Vergne's ahead of points and finished fewer races, If he was more consistent he'd be dicking on Ricciardo.

[Critical_mass]

Rain should spice things up

[GSC]

Vergne is a terrible qualifier though. Hard to win races when you aren't  near the front

[CaledonianCraig]

Maybe they've realized that Ricciardo is crap compared to JEV?  Vergne's ahead of points and finished fewer races, If he was more consistent he'd be dicking on Ricciardo.

Or perhaps there is another reason?  

[CaledonianCraig]

Riccardio is perhaps not keen on being merely a support driver for Vettel?.

[GSC]

He's not going to be given the #1 seat at any competive teams so I can't imagine why

[CaledonianCraig]

But being given a No.1 seat and being allowed to be competitive against everyone are two different things? Aren't they?

[Fernando]

Vergne is a terrible qualifier though. Hard to win races when you aren't  near the front

Would it matter in a RB? Also you get points for the race not qualifying  

[GSC]

Mark Webber has more points than any other non #1 driver

[GSC]

Vergne is a terrible qualifier though. Hard to win races when you aren't  near the front

Would it matter in a RB? Also you get points for the race not qualifying  

Filling out the front row gives you a lot more options than pole and 7th. He's not going to reel in the big boys every race like he does other mid teams in the TR

[Fernando]

Vergne is a terrible qualifier though. Hard to win races when you aren't  near the front

Would it matter in a RB? Also you get points for the race not qualifying  

Filling out the front row gives you a lot more options than pole and 7th. He's not going to reel in the big boys every race like he does other mid teams in the TR

True but in the RB ud think he'd qualify top pole- 4/6th easily. Ferrari aren't good in qualifying and Lotus rather inconsistent between the pair of them

[GSC]

He's pretty far off Ricciardo most races, I'm not sure. RB can develop Ricciardo

[CaledonianCraig]

Mark Webber has more points than any other non #1 driver

Non No.1 driver suggests in itself an inequality.

[CaledonianCraig]

Also I would like to know more as to why the Kimi move didn't happen? I am pretty sure he is the type that would want at least equality and perhaps he just never saw the chance of that at Red Bull.

[GSC]

This is formula 1, of course there's going to be inequality. They're professionals, they do what it takes to win.

Would Moyes bench RVP for a CL game just so a reserve team player can get a game?

[CaledonianCraig]

Granted GSC but it seems there is more inequality in some teams than there are in others. Ferrari and Red Bull are top of the pile at the moment with Ferrari long having a top driver with a rear gunner. McLaren have been like that but fluctuated more whilst Mercedes currently don't really have any preference and the same could be said at other teams.

[Guest]

Ricciardo will be confirmed, it makes a mockery of the millions of pounds investment they have in the programme and the test they gave him in Silverstone. Not sure why anyone believes a word Helmut Marko says.

You think Kimi got scared of not having equality, being financially rewarded on time and having a better chance of winning a WDC?????????? Red Bull are a very clever organisation. You think either the team or Vettel wanted a 'threat' to the team dynamic and set-up. If they wanted a driver of quality and speed, they would of gone for Hamilton when he was available. It's just nonsense all of it, cooked up media story to fill the summer period. The Kimi to Ferrari has more legs to but the Red Bull story is just clutching at straws.

[GSC]

When push comes to shove Hamilton will get the bid over Rosberg.

A clear #1 and 2 system brings a better chance of success

[CaledonianCraig]

When push comes to shove Hamilton will get the bid over Rosberg.

A clear #1 and 2 system brings a better chance of success

Perhaps but it never will come to a push or a shove at say Red Bull or Ferrari. It is very frustrating knowing Ferrari and Red Bull have surely amongst the fastest four cars on the grid with only two potential world champion drivers driving for them.

[GSC]

Theres only 1 potential WDC at Mercedes and Lotus anyway

[GSC]

And tbf, RB told their drivers to preserve a Webber win in Malaysia, Mercedes did the same thing to preserve a Hamilton 3rd place. Difference is Vettel ignored them and went for the win while Rosberg did as he was told, which is why its remembered.

RB and Ferrari both let the #2 compete until it becomes apparent only one driver can win the WDC.

[CaledonianCraig]

Theres only 1 potential WDC at Mercedes and Lotus anyway

At the start of the season and even perhaps up to Hamilton's Hungary win I feel it was evens stevens at Mercedes. As for Lotus yes at the moment certainly. Grosjean just has these mental lapses but can be very quick.

[bogbrush]

And tbf, RB told their drivers to preserve a Webber win in Malaysia, Mercedes did the same thing to preserve a Hamilton 3rd place. Difference is Vettel ignored them and went for the win while Rosberg did as he was told, which is why its remembered.

RB and Ferrari both let the #2 compete until it becomes apparent only one driver can win the WDC.

You're throwing facts at Craig. That won't work.

[CaledonianCraig]

Oh come on BB you are par excellence at ignoring facts yourself. Facts like Red Bull sprouted wings when Adrian Newey joined the team, or that Schumacher was to use vile tactics such as deliberately taking his championship rivals out of the equation by deliberately crashing into them in TWO seperate world championships and was disqualified from the championship once as a result. Pretty pathetic traits he had.

[Guest]

Never seen so much debate before a GP. Hopefully the next two weekends at power circuits can bring Hamilton back into real contention with the suited Mercedes package. Would love to see Vettel`s bum get squeakier than going up au rouge flat out, if Hamilton won both here n monza. Fascinatingly poised.

[Fernando]

Daniel Ricciardo says he believes he will be able to race on equal terms with Sebastian Vettel if he is promoted to Red Bull next season.

The Australian has not been named as Mark Webber's replacement but is widely believed to have won the drive.

The management of Kimi Raikkonen, the other contender, have said the Finn will not be driving for Red Bull.

"I'm sure if I was in a position to win a race in the future, I'd be allowed to," said Ricciardo

It's nice to be optimistic isn't it  Shame Kimi didn't join wonder what their do with his seat fitting then. Put it on Ebay

[CaledonianCraig]

That just adds fuel to the fire doesn't it? After all there is a report on the BBC site quoting him as he talks about equality. I wonder why that subject came up at Red Bull and Horner is quoted as saying 'Kimi is his own man' (or words to that effect). Could that mean he wasn't keen on being a rear-gunner if asked?

[GSC]

Gary Anderson saying that JEV has only really been on top of Ricciardo twice this season according to data

[GSC]

Alonso fastest in P1 but very changeable conditions. Not much to read into

[CaledonianCraig]

Alonso fastest in P1 but very changeable conditions. Not much to read into

Agreed. It will be very interesting if conditions remain the same for qualifying. Force India looking good so they may fancy their chances of a podium finish if chaos ensues in the race.

[GSC]

Rain the great leveller. Might bring Button up the field if its slippery

[GSC]

Might be too cold for Lotus and Ferrari

[CaledonianCraig]

Rain the great leveller. Might bring Button up the field if its slippery

Clearly, it looks like he may want specific damp conditions. When the circuit was half wet and half dry he was at the top of the times but when it became more universally dry his times fell away.

[GSC]

He didn't really run in the dry iirc. Went back into the garage

[CaledonianCraig]

Spa is the sort of track where Button could benefit with wet conditions and could nurse McLaren through to their first podium finish of the year.

[Critical_mass]

Yeah maybe the changeable conditions will help Mclaren and more specifically Button. But will still put RBR and the Mercs on the front 1-2 rows of the grid. Too cold for Lotus and Ferrari - perfect for Merc.

[Guest]

Yeah, looks like difficult conditions and unpredictability. Not sure if that's good news for Mercedes, seeing as in the dry, it would appear a pole position would be a good bet. Just more media attention on the RB seat, Kimi's agent & Vettel both agreeing that the Finn won't be joining the team. I'm pretty sure the Ricciardo deal is done and dusted, RB will just play the media in delaying the announcement and in turn, it will upset Kimi & Alonso because of the relentless questioning from the F1 media and paddock, which Hamilton said drained him last year, in respect of his situation with McLaren. Clever move from RB, any advantage they can muster for Vettel is a good one I guess.

Also, interesting to see McLaren have not exercised Button's contract, as of yet, for 2014. This has been confirmed and just produces even more 'silly season' rumours of Kimi or Alonso returning to the team.

[GSC]

Rear puncture of Vettel

Pirelli rush to the toilet

[GSC]

Red Bulls look very good. Mercedes haven't clicked on Friday again.

Grosjean looks good

[Critical_mass]

Yeah lets wait until FP3.. in HUngary in FP1 and 2 , the mercs didnt look brill either.

[bogbrush]

Early days, I don't think Friday ever means that much.

[Fernando]

So the RB seat is down to Ricciardo/Kimi/Alonso & Button

It wouldn't surprise me if Button ended up their with Mclaren yet to take up the option in his contract

[Guest]

my head (2014)

Ferrari - Alonso/Raikkonen (Luca is getting tired of not winning in F1 now. Years since they've won a constructors and Kimi was the last driver to bring home a driver's title. Rekindle past experiences for Kimi, get's paid on time and works with James Allison again. Ferrari's strong line-up ready for success and even stronger than the Mercedes pairing.

RB - Vettel/Ricciardo Young driver programme will see Ricciardo replace Webber. Otherwise, what's the point of spending millions on the scheme every year and keeping Helmut Marko in a job?

Lotus - Hulkenberg/Grosjean Kimi leaving opens the door for Hulkenberg. Bad move for him to Sauber and has already spoken to Lotus about next year.

Mercedes - Hamilton/Rosberg Status Quo

McLaren - Button/Perez I think Button would love the Ferrari drive but think he'll be persuaded to stay at the British team.

[GSC]

Webber will be missed

[Guest]

I can't believe his management didn't just wait and see what was opening up. I mean, he could of been at Lotus next year, but then partnering Grosjean would of been a issue with their problems with each other. I think Webber wanted out of F1, didn't like the direction the sport was going in. I mean, in theory it could be even worse next year, going even further away from full out racing he wanted, with more fuel conservation.

Qualifying coming up, hoping Mercedes can improve from practice. I'd take anything, apart from a Vettel pole.

[GSC]

Yeah I think Webber wanted out.

Ricciardo seems a pretty cool dude

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