Ten reasons to look forward to the Belgian Grand Prix

Belgian Grand Prix Preview

The Belgian Grand Prix is a highlight on the Formula One calendar and there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the race on Sunday.

The circuit

Spa Francorchamps is arguably the greatest Formula One circuit in the world and there is nowhere more spectacular to watch a Grand Prix car in action. The track features long straights, high speed corners, elevation changes, and is a massive test of driving skill. The former public road through the Ardennes forest is still more exciting than anything Herman Tilke has come up with since.

Weather

Spa Francorchamps spreads itself across two sides of a small valley in the Ardennes forest and seemingly has its own mini climate. The weather is very changeable and is likely to have an impact on proceedings this weekend. Heavy rain characterised Friday practice and is also expected to arrive on Sunday afternoon. There is nothing like a bit of wet weather to liven up a Grand Prix, so fans could be treated to one of the most exciting races of the year.

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher will be starting at the back of the grid this weekend so will have the chance to show signs of his old form with a spectacular recovery drive. If Michael was ever going to deliver a performance that defied his critics, it would be at Spa Francorchamps, arguably his strongest circuit. Although it's hard to imagine Michael pulling something special out of the bag, a bit of luck and a bit of rain could give him what he needs to turn his season around. If nothing else, you can guarantee he will be given a hard time by the backmarkers who won’t let him past easy.

Overtaking

The mix of corners and long straights at Spa is conducive to close racing and creates plenty of overtaking opportunities. The circuit has been home to some of the greatest battles in recent history, and was memorably decided by late-race overtaking manoeuvres for the lead in 1995, 2000, & 2008.

The World Championship

The championship standings are very close at the top and the main contenders are entering a make-or-break phase of the season. Just one bad result could have dire consequences so every race is now vitally important for the World Championship as November draws closer.

The first corner

The start and first lap at Spa is always very exciting. The La Source hairpin is one of the tightest corners in Formula One and comes just a few hundred metres after the start line. Drivers then have plenty of time to jostle for position on the long run down the hill, through Eau Rouge, and the straight towards Le Combes. There is often plenty of action and some overtaking on the first lap and there is potential for chaos in the midfield.

Red Bull under pressure

The fast layout at Spa will not suit Red Bull who dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team will still be very competitive this weekend, but won’t enjoy the same advantage they have elsewhere. Mercedes has a very powerful engine and Ferrari has introduced some significant aerodynamic upgrades, so the fight for victory will be very close.

F1’s trickiest corner

Eau Rouge used to be the most difficult corner in Formula One but increased grip levels and tarmac run-off areas have removed some of the challenge. Drivers can now take the corner at full speed fairly easily. However, the challenge of Eau Rouge will return in 2010 when drivers have to tackle the corner with 150 litres of fuel on board. The heavy cars will be very difficult to handle and will scrape along the ground as they climb through Radillion. Teams will not want to compromise their car’s setup just to handle that one corner, so getting a good run through Eau Rouge will be something special once again.

The potential for an upset

Last year Giancarlo Fisichella and Force India scored a major upset when their low-drag car was perfectly suited to the fast sections of Spa Francorchamps. The F-Ducts used by most teams reduce the likelihood of a low-drag car having a similar advantage this weekend, but the other unique characteristics of Spa Francorchamps could rearrange the pecking order.

and finally...

F1 is back!

There hasn't been any Grand Prix action for a month so it's great to have Formula One back from the summer break!

Posted by Martin Porter. - Follow him on twitter @mpondaweb.

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