RACE PREVIEW F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7

BELGIAN GP 28-30 August 2020 Spa-francorchamps

THE MAIN EVENT

Power is the key here in the hilly, capricious Ardennes – but it’s not the sole factor determining competitiveness, for Spa-francorchamps remains a classic driver’s circuit which rewards finesse and bravery. Yes, downforce and improved safety have rendered the iconic Eau Rouge and Raidillion section ‘easy-flat’ (on low fuel at least), but this remains an imposing venue and the tragic events of last year’s grand prix weekend, when F2 driver Anthoine Hubert was fatally injured in an accident, serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with ‘old-school’ circuits.

Another factor which often plays a role in outcomes here is the weather which, thanks to the microclimate in this region, remains difficult to forecast accurately. It can be sunny at one end of the circuit and teeming down with rain at the other, so expect a wild ride…

2019 RACE RECAP

Charles Leclerc took his long-awaited first win for Ferrari, leading from pole position as team-mate Sebastian Vettel fended off the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in the early laps.

Ferrari pitted Vettel early but Mercedes didn’t take the bait, staying focused on a one-stop strategy which paid off when Vettel was forced to stop again. Ferrari’s rivals were shaken by the force of the Scuderia’s upgraded engine, leading to questions which resulted in a post-season investigation – the results of which are still being felt today.

KEY CORNER: TURN 9 Unusually for a circuit redolent with evocative corner names, this 90-degree left-hander has no official nomenclature. Drivers must nail it – riding the kerb just so – to ensure a good exit onto the downhill straight.

RACE DATA

Venue Circuit de Spa-francorchamps

First GP 1950

Number of laps 44

Circuit length 4.352 miles Longest straight 0.78 miles Elevation change 335.31 feet Race distance 191.414 miles Lap record 1m46.286s Valtteri Bottas (2018)

F1 races held 52

Winners from pole 25

Pirelli compounds C2, C3, C4

CAR PERFORMANCE Downforce level Medium Cooling requirement Low Fuel consumption 2.3kg/lap Full throttle 60%

Top speed 214mph Average speed 137mph

TIMETABLE (UK TIME) Friday 28 August

Practice 1 10:00-11:30 Practice 2 14:00-15:30 Saturday 29 August Practice 3 11:00-12:00 Qualifying 14:00-15:00 Sunday 30 August

Race 14:10

Live coverage Sky Sports F1 Highlights Channel 4