Formula 1 returns after a much deserved three week break, where the season continues at the famed Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. A historic circuit well known through all of motorsport, the track is a favorite for any fan and every driver. Like the other older circuits, Spa has a very distinct design, molded by the beautiful surrounding landscape. Aside from the layout, Spa is also notorious for having some rather fickle weather conditions. The current forecast predicts rain for the weekend, but we'll have to wait and see how it pans out.
Notably absent this year is the Ice King, Kimi Räikkönen. Also known as the King of Spa, Räikkönen has taken four of the last five victories at this circuit. Now that he is currently competing in WRC, this years victory can fall into any drivers lap.
World Champion Michael Schumacher, who made his debut at Spa in 1991 and won his first F1 race there in 1992, won his 52nd Grand Prix at Spa in 2001, surpassing Alain Prost's all-time record of 51 wins. Schumacher also won his seventh World Drivers' Championship title at Spa in 2004. There was no Belgian Grand Prix in 2003 because of the country's tobacco advertising laws but it returned to the schedule again in 2004.
Another notable race was the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix which took place in torrential conditions. The race was originally stopped after a massive accident involving thirteen of the twenty-two runners at the first corner. The heavy rain caused low visibility, and Michael Schumacher ran into the back of David Coulthard, an event that angered Schumacher so much he stormed into the McLaren garage to confront Coulthard, claiming he had tried to kill him. Coulthard later admitted he had been at fault, due to his own inexperience (despite it being his fourth year of Formula One) Only eight drivers were classified finishers (two of whom were five laps behind, one of whom was Coulthard) and Damon Hill secured a memorable victory ahead of team mate Ralf Schumacher to record the previously underperforming Jordan team's first Formula One win in its history, and a 1-2 to top it off.
In 2006, the FIA announced the Belgian Grand Prix would not be part of the 2006 Formula One season, since the local authorities had started major repair work in Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian Grand Prix returned in 2007, when Kimi Räikkönen took pole position and his 3rd Belgian Grand Prix win in a row.
In 2008, McLaren's Lewis Hamilton survived a frantic last two laps in a late shower of rain to win the Belgian Grand Prix. Hamilton lost the lead to Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen with an early spin but fought back in the closing laps to re-take the lead with two laps to go. In a dramatic climax on a soaking track, Hamilton passed Räikkönen, lost the lead again with a spin, re-took it and then saw Räikkönen crash. Ferrari's Felipe Massa took second leaving him eight points behind Hamilton. However, the stewards decided after the race retrospectively to apply a drive-through penalty for Hamilton's pass on Räikkönen (i.e. a 25-second penalty). This left Hamilton in third place behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa and BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld. The penalty cut Hamilton's lead over Massa to just two points with five races remaining. McLaren appealed the decision but were turned down as it is not permissible to appeal drive-through penalties. The stewards' decision was widely criticised, with former world champion Niki Lauda calling it "completely wrong", "stupid" and "bad for the sport".
In 2009, Bernie Ecclestone said in an interview that he would like the Belgian Grand Prix to rotate with a Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, rather than the Nürburgring rotating with the Hockenheimring.
On 23 September 2009 it was reported that the Belgian Grand Prix is in doubt after the Spa license was suspended until 2026 due to complaints made from local residents in 2007.
Onboard Lap
Onboard lap of Spa-Francorchamps courtesy of former Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen.
Take a closer look here.
Fastest Lap
Sebastien Vettel - Red-Bull Renault - 1:47.263
Most Wins
Michael Schumacher - 6
Most Wins for Constructor
Ferrari - 16
Highlights from Previous Years
Highlights from 1985 Belgian GP with commentary from Ayrton Senna
Highlights from 1962 Belgian GP
Highlights from 1978 Gelgian GP
Highlights from 2005 Belgian GP
Previous Winners
Drivers Championship Standings
Constructors Championship Standings
NeoGAF Championship Standings
Last Minute News
Exclusive Q & A with BMW Saubers Kamui Kobayashi
Renaults Robert Kubica on Spa-Francorchamps
Barichello Milestones - 300 Grand Prix and counting
Schumacher close to being Disqualified
Mark Webber defends Red Bulls front wing development