Belgium GP 2013 Preview (23-25 August)

The magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit welcomes Formula One back from its summer break for the Belgian Grand Prix, round 11 of the 2013 FIA F1 World Championship. With nine races in the next 14 weeks, the second half the season packs a lot of action into a short space of time.

The championships are delicately poised: Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing hold the lead in their respective competitions but the chasing pack has stayed within range. A good run of form now could see the world champion and his Milton Keynes-based squad build an unassailable position, while poor races here and in Italy – neither of which have been strong for RBR in recent history – will set up a furious finish to the season.

Spa-Francorchamps provides a thorough test of man and machine. The sweeping curves, high speeds and roller-coaster profile make this circuit a firm favourite with drivers but a headache for engineers who have to find a workable compromise between very different demands. Do you bring a low-downforce package for the fast first and third sectors and lose time in the make-or-break middle part of the lap or go for higher downforce and potentially be a sitting duck for overtaking on the long, fast Kemmel straight? Over the years the advantage has swung back and forth.

Pirelli are bringing their two hardest compounds to the Ardennes, as was the case in 2012. Last year Jenson Button won with a one-stop strategy, while the majority of the field, including third-placed Kimi Räikkönen, opted for two. Of course Spa is one of the most-likely F1 venues to see the intermediate or full-wet tyres in action, and with rain forecast for the weekend there’s every chance of seeing another classic, chaotic Belgian Grand Prix.

Facts

Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at Spa, having taken six wins while out of the current drivers, Kimi Raikkonen’s speed at the circuit has resulted in four victories. Ferrari edges out McLaren as the most successful constructor in Belgium, by 16 wins to 14.Spa is something of a ‘bogey circuit’ for Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard is the only world champion in the field not to have won the race. Alonso has retired five times from nine starts in Belgium and has been hit on the first lap of the race for the past three years.

Jordan claimed their maiden victory at Spa-Francorchamps and the team in their present format, Force India, has also enjoyed success at the circuit. Giancarlo Fisichella claimed their only pole position in Belgium in 2009 and followed it up with second place in the race.

Weather Forecast: The pleasant summer across Western Europe is set to continue in Belgium this weekend with hot and sunny conditions expected for practice and qualifying. Sunday, however, is less clear, with rain possible. However, Spa’s location in the Ardennes Forest means that it’s impossible to rule out the chance of a shower.