THEMES TO WATCH

FERRARI’S POWER TRIP

Power counts at Spa, and based on the first half of the season Ferrari has the advantage on that score. Can Mercedes do anything to hit back? And if Ferrari does have the pace, can it do what it failed to in the previous two races and turn pace into victory?

FORCE INDIA ON THE UP?

Force India went into the August break in administration, with its future uncertain and a little over half a second’s worth of upgrades that were designed but it couldn’t manufacture. It’s still early days since the Lawrence Stroll-led consortium took over, but the team can make a statement at Spa about how serious its recovery is.

HONDA’S BIG TEST

All eyes will be on Honda’s progress at a track where it has struggled in previous years as it gears up for its move to power Red Bull next year. Last time out at the Hungaroring, Pierre Gasly won ‘Class B’, but Toro Rosso needs at least to be a minor points threat at Spa to convince that Honda has made big power steps.