After what seems like an eternity to hardened fans, Formula 1 returns from its annual summer break this weekend 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 enter the weekend buoyed by a strong performance in Hungary which saw the team running not only in the points, but near the top of the midfield. Honda is said to be bringing more upgrades to Spa which include a new turbocharger and new software mapping. Vandoorne will be using an all-new power unit (with a 35 grid spot penalty) which hints at a possible introduction of further upgrades. Given the power-hungry nature of Spa, a repeat of Hungary may be a bit much to expect until other upgrades are introduced later in the season. Still, we could expect to see both cars in the points albeit toward the lower points-paying positions.

Elsewhere on the grid, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top of the Mercedes/Ferrari duel at Spa. The circuit should suit Mercedes’ longer wheelbase and peak power; however, Ferrari’s is not far off in power and their chassis seems to be a bit easier on tires. From there we can expect Red Bull’s upgrades along with a Renault engine update to keep them in the hunt for a finish between P3 and P5. Expect Force India to be strong with their Mercedes Power probably followed by Williams whose chassis isn’t quite as well sorted. From there we an expect Toro Rosso to be in the hunt with Haas looking to spoil their party with an upgraded Ferrari engine. It is unclear whether Renault’s updates will be enough to help the works team on this power-hungry circuit. Despite bringing some aero updates, we can still expect Sauber to be running in the back of the pack.

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
2017 tyres: Soft, Supersoft, Ultrasoft (2016: Medium, Soft, Supersoft)

*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources: FIA , Williams, Mercedes

2016 (V6 TURBO ERA ) RESULTS:
Race stats.
Laps: 44
Pole: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:46.744
Fast race lap: Lewis Hamilton, 1:51.583
Podium
1. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
2. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
3. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

CURRENT STANDINGS:
Drivers
1. Sebastian Vettel, 202
2. Lewis Hamilton, 188
3. Valtteri Bottas, 169
4. Daniel Ricciardo, 117
5. Kimi Raikkonen, 116
Constructors
1. Mercedes AMG Petronas, 357
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 318
3. Red Bull Racing, 184
4. Sahara Force India, 101
5. Williams Martini Racing, 41
6. Scuderia Toro Rosso, 39
7. Haas F1 Team, 29
8. Renault Sport F1, 26
9. McLaren-Honda, 11
10. Sauber, 5