Belgian GP - Spa Francochamp 2016

[Nitrodaze]

So the mid-season holiday is over and F1 heads to Spa Francochamp; the Belgian GP. Depending how you look at the map of the circuit, it either looks like a short handle pick axe or an experimental aircraft, if you look at it upside down. I know , l have tried it :-). Seven kilometers of some of most interesting corners and straights. Spa Francochamp is mostly considered a drivers track. And arguably, one of the best tracks in the world. It is the longest lap on the calendar, hence the grand prix is only 44 laps long.

Micheal Schumacher has won it six times, and remains the most successful driver ever to drive this track. Schumacher debuted his career on this track driving the green 7UP Jordan car in 1991. The last winner of this track is Lewis Hamilton.

The weather is looking good for this weekend, with the sunday race likely to be a dry race.
sps-f1-weather-2016.jpg
http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=f1;sess=
Hamilton comes into this weekend with a 19 points lead, with the possibility of serving his engine penalty at this weekend or possibly at Monza, next weekend. Rosberg has a golden opportunity of recovering some lost points.

Mercedes protege Estaban Ocon gets his first taste of F1 as he replaces Rio Haryanto at Manor. We get to see two of Mercedes future hopes duke it out to impress Toto Wolff. Wehrlien has the edge, but Ocon may spring a surprise. One to watch.

[Tazio]

Looks like The Boss is going to take his new PU (and the penalty that comes with it) at this race. It should be fun watching him fight his way forward!

[driveace]

Well it will be boring IF rosberg darts off into the distance ,whilst Hamilton battles his way through the field
But surely the Ferraris or the Red Bulls must be due a win again .
Should be some good overtaking ,and if Hamilton starts at the back his teammate cant take him out at Les Combes

[Nitrodaze]

The Redbull may go very well on this track due to its flowing corners which may suit their great chassis. It would be great to see how the duel between the Redbull drivers shape out this weekend. Force India also have a great opportunity to reel in Williams this weekend. Like Ferrari, Williams seem to be fading backwards of late.

It could also be a great weekend for Mclaren as this track may suite their chassis as well. But expect them to suffer on the up hill sections of the track where horsepower wins out. The Mercedes should be mighty this weekend, but Ferrari may prove a tough contender for the Redbulls at the straights and uphill sections of the track.

The podium may turn out to be a three team affair, with a Mercedes, Redbull and a Ferrari taking each step. But it is most likely to be a Mercedes and two Redbulls.



It may be possible that Hamilton gets up to 5th or sixth to limit the damages of taking an engine penalty.

In terms of the Redbull driver shootout, Verstapenn is very likely to go very well on this track, being the closest thing to a home track for him. Verstapenn did most of his Go Kart racing in Belgium incidentally. I expect him to take the 2nd step of the podium if Rosberg do not mess up his start. Both Redbull drivers can win this race, if the Mercedes dodgy start continues this weekend.


You know how difficult it is to pass the pesky dutchman.

[Sulland]

The Jordan 191 in 7up livery is one of the best looking racecars ever!

[Mintexmemory]

With best tyre availability and a circuit that will reward the Merc power and where overtaking is a cinch don't be surprised if LH gets second.

[driveace]

Is there ANY point him qualifying ,would it mot be wise of Hamilton to sit out quali and save tyres AND engine/Gearbox use /wear ?

[easy rider]

Ricciardo and Verstappen could maybe offer Nico a challenge at the start of the race, and for Hamilton's sake I hope that they do. Also let's not forget the Scuderia who seem at times go like hell at the start of a race.

[yodasarmpit]

I have a feeling Redbull will do well, and predict Nico will not take full advantage of Lewis starting from the back - he'll fall back early on and fight back to third.

Well one can hope at least.

[Nitrodaze]

Ocon gets a cone start to his debut weekend.