After what seems like an eternity to hardened fans, Formula 1 returns this weekend after its annual summer break for the Belgian Grand Prix. Set in the Ardennes forest, Spa Francorchamps is arguably one of the most loved circuits on the calendar. High-speed turns like Eau Rouge & Raidillon, the beautiful scenery, and unpredictable weather add to its mystique.
McLaren Honda approach the Grand Prix with cautious optimism as their package starts to show hints of strength. Still, the team acknowledges that this circuit is not ideal for them to do well. A new fuel blend is said to be on offer as well as an upgraded internal combustion engine which will see duty in practice and, if all goes well, race on Sunday. Based on recent performances a double points finish is not out of the question but we would expect that to occur in the lower points-paying positions.
Elsewhere on the grid things have the potential to be very interesting as Lewis Hamilton, having recently regained the championship points lead over his teammate, is rumored to be taking an [anticipated] grid penalty for using extra power unit elements. It is noteworthy that Mercedes has only spent two development tokens since the season started and could use Hamilton’s penalty to introduce upgrades that may help him get back to the sharp end of the grid. Ferrari also has upgrades in the pipe but is reported to be holding its fire on their introduction until Monza. Despite having the best chassis, Red Bull may not do as well on this power-hungry circuit due to its Renault power unit not quite matching the output of Mercedes-powered competitors. Could this be the weekend Williams sees a return to form or one of the Force India drivers scores a podium?
US TV SCHEDULE:
Practice 1, Friday August 26th, 4:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2, Friday August 26th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3, Saturday August 27th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying, Saturday August 27th, 8:00AM
EST
,
CNBC
Race, Sunday August 28th, 7:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION:
Lap data
Lap length: 7.004km (4.352 miles)
Race laps: 44
Race distance: 308.052km (191.415 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’47.263 (235.071 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2009
Fastest lap: 1’44.503 (241.279 kph) by Jarno Trulli, 2009
Maximum speed: 324kph (201.324 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and Kemmel straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 265m
Car performance
Full throttle: 70%
Longest flat-out section: 2015m
Downforce level: Medium
Gear changes per lap: 45
Fuel use per lap: 2.2kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.088s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 22.444s by Ferrari
2016 prime tyre: Medium & Soft (2015: Medium)
2016 option tyre: Supersoft (2015: Soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2015 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS:
Race stats.
Laps: 43
Pole: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Fast race lap: 1:52.416
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
3. Romain Grosjean, Lotus
CURRENT
STANDINGS:
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, 217
2. Nico Rosberg, 198
3. Daniel Ricciardo, 133
Constructors
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas F1 Team, 415
2. Red Bull Racing, 256
3. Scuderia Ferrari, 242
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