Belgian GP: We’re off to Spa-Francorchamps for the weekend

Home » F1 Blog » August 24 2011 at 23:11 | posted by James Wilson | What do you think? Add a comment here

Brimming with excitement ahead of Belgian Grand Prix exodus

After a two year absence, I’m all set to journey back to the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. Formula 1’s four week summer break is almost over, and if twitter is anything to go by, everyone in the F1 world is raring to. The excitement is clear from the fans, journalists and of course the drivers.

I have been to the Belgian Grand Prix once before, back in 2008. That was year where Lewis Hamilton won the Grand Prix for all but 2 hours – before the stewards then dished him a time penalty and handed the race to Felipe Massa. The adrenaline I felt in those last few laps, as the conditions changed and Lewis and Kimi fought tooth and nail the lead, was simply incredible. Then the disappointment of finding out the result had been changed on the journey home was absolutely gutting...

But that was 2008, and now it’s 2011. As a Lewis Hamilton and McLaren fan, I wonder what our home team can do this weekend around the remarkable Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Red Bull didn’t win any of the last three races before the summer break, which on the face of it, might make you think it bodes well for this year’s title. But actually, all Ferrari and McLaren have done is steal points of each other and actually let Vettel extend his lead in the World Championship. He is now 85 points ahead of second place man Mark Webber, whilst Hamilton is 88 points in the red. What the 2011 World Championship really needs one team and one driver to step up and go on decent a run to the end of the year. It also needs Sebastian Vettel to suffer some terrible luck, which makes me feel awfully bad as a Formula 1 fan!

My Journey to the Arden Forest

Part of the enjoyment for Brits going to the Belgian Grand Prix is the relatively easy journey that awaits you. It’s no more than 400 miles from London (via Dover) and is an easy drag from France and then in into Belgium itself. I’ll be going in a group of 4 this weekend, in 2 lovely cars. There’s a BMW Z4, and I’ll be driving in a TT Quattro – both filled to the brim with camping gear, beer and wine!

It should be a lot of fun, perhaps like a Top Gear European special – just with slightly younger and far cooler drivers!

Gold 6: Chicane

AKA – The Bus Stop. This is where we have spent obscene amounts of money to sit all weekend to watch the action. We choose this corner as it has seen a fair amount of action over the past few races. Last year, nearly every driver out broke themselves on a slightly damp circuit on lap 1 – and it’s where Barrichello hit Alonso with enormous force, yet caused no damage! My fingers are crossed for action this year, especially as we have two F1 virgins with us who are looking for some real value from their pricey F1 tickets! Upwards of £400!

Playing the long game - Jacket Potato Please!

Today I had lunch at a pub and enjoyed a hunter’s chicken dish. When asked if I wanted chips or a jacket potato, I instantly remembered how badly I’m about to eat over the next 4 days at the Grand Prix. Anyone who has been a spectator at Spa knows just how limited the choice of food is around the circuit. Rather than an array of food outlets and wide choice of types of food (like Silverstone perhaps!), you are forced to eat either chips, a hot dog or sugar/chocolate covered Churros. To mix it up, you can choose to add either ketchup or mayonnaise but that is where the diversity ends. After a couple of days, it can get pretty tedious so I felt a jacket potato today was a good choice considering what we are in for at the circuit this weekend!

Anyway, that’s enough from me. As you can see I’m pumped for the weekend and hoping for a good race. Let the beer and wine flow and I’ll try and keep you updated on twitter.

Posted by James Wilson. - Follow him on twitter @enterf1.