Posted on 25th August 2016
As we head to Spa-Francorchamps for the German Grand Prix this weekend for the thirteenth race of the 2016 season after the summer break, Pirelli have selected the hardest Pirelli tyres which are the White Medium, Yellow Soft and Red Supersoft P Zero tyres.
Spa-Francorchamps needs no introduction as one of the most iconic circuits out there. For the tyres, it's a demanding track with the sort of high-energy loads that make it absolutely thrilling to drive. It's not easy to find the right set-up but with such a long lap and plenty of overtaking opportunities, there are a number of different strategy permutations possible.
The circuit also provides a real multi-faceted challenge for the tyres; and by extension for the teams and drivers as well. The historic circuit at the foothills of the Ardennes is renowned for its changeable weather, meaning that there is a true microclimate to provide a constant additional parameter for the strategists to consider.
With the loads through the tyres are among the biggest of the year due to the long and fast corners and also the elevation changes also create vertical forces for tyres through compressions like Eau Rouge. With rain is quite likely, but it frequently rains just on one part of the circuit and not on another.
With the teams and the drivers the set-up of the cars is a compromise between low drag for straights and downforce for corners and it is not easy. But there are plenty of overtaking opportunities, which mean that strategy options are quite open.
Here's my facts and figures as well as my predictions heading into the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend-
Facts and Figures
•Belgium has hosted the Grand Prix since 1950.
•Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the track with six wins.
•Kimi Raikkonen is the most successful driver currently to win the Grand Prix with four wins.
•Ferrari is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with sixteen wins.
•Race distance: 308.05km (191.41miles)
•Number of turns:19
•Top speed: 329kph
•Lap record: Sebastian Vettel- Red Bull (2009)- 1.47.263
Winners from the last five Belgian Grand Prix:-
•2011-Sebastian Vettel,
•2012-Jenson Button
•2013- Sebastian Vettel
•2014- Daniel Ricciardo
•2015- Lewis Hamilton
My five things to look out for this weekend:-
1.Return of F1- After a month of no F1 action, the Belgian GP is back and we are so glad F1 is back. But with the circuit being one of the most loved by the teams, drivers and the fans, we are looking forward to seeing if Spa can produce a great comeback race this weekend for the sport and seeing F1 back on our TV where it belongs!
2.Tyre performance-With Pirelli bringing a relatively normal tyre choices to Spa, all eyes will be upon Pirelli to see if the tyres will spice up the action at the track this weekend. But it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage and strategy during the race especially given the fact that the circuit has been resurfaced. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
3.Weather- As I have already mentioned, the weather could play a part in the development of the race weekend, especially the race on Sunday. But with epic past races such as the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix (first one that spring to mind!) Question is, will the weather be a key factor in the winner of the race on Sunday?
4.Performance of Esteban Ocon- With Ocon gaining the second race seat at Manor and Rio Haryanto being demoted to a reserve driver within the team, all eyes will be upon him as he makes his F1 debut this weekend. Ocon has been highly rated within the paddock and I believe he is extremely talented, but how will be perform this weekend?
5.Performance of the Mercedes team- With Mercedes being the firm favourites heading into the race this weekend, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will still be as competitive as they were last season, especially Lewis Hamilton at his home race. But with Ferrari showing good performance and pace in the first few races, has their advantage and stranglehold on the sport been broken?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and Channel Four also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
•Sky Sports F1:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.45am and 12.45pm [Replays throughout Thursday and Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.45am and 12.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 11.30am
•Channel Four– Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.55am and 12.55pm, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.55am and 11.55am, Sunday (Race) 12.00pm
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
