Preview- 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps

Track Preview: 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps

The Formula One season resumes after a three-week break for one of the most eagerly-anticipated races of the year which is Spa-Francorchamps. This week, Formula One tyre manufacturer Pirelli has announced that the P Zero White medium tyres and P Zero Yellow soft tyres have been nominated.

This a softer choice compared to last year and this is in order to promote different strategies. At just over seven kilometres in length, Spa is the longest lap of the year, with its mixture of fast straights, flat-out corners, abrasive asphalt and swooping elevations which will put maximum strain on the Pirelli tyres.

As this didn't challenge the teams or the drivers, the variable weather conditions (frequent heavy rainstorms) are a common feature of this picturesque and classic circuit, located in the Ardennes Mountains. All of this can lead to a high incidence of safety cars, so the ability to react fast, as well as the insight to formulate an effective strategy is often very vital. Often it can be raining on one part of the circuit but completely dry at another part, meaning that the versatility of cars, tyres and drivers is tested to the limit as well.

But the drivers love the challenge that the circuit provides even if some feel that it has lost its challenge for example Eau Rouge which the drivers can take flat out (or can they this year) due to the big asphalt run off or even Pouhon which is extremely difficult to get right. However, the track is easy on brakes and cooling but ride heights need to be set up carefully, but the drivers love driving at this classic racing circuit.

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 pole 15/45 (33%)
•Winners from last 5 Belgium Grand Prix: 2009- Kimi Raikkonen, 2010-Lewis Hamilton 2011-Sebastian Vettel, 2012-Jenson Button, 2013- Sebastian Vettel

My Top 5 Things to look out for this weekend

1.Change in weather- As I have stated already in this article, the ever changing weather conditions can affect the drivers throughout the weekend, in particularly the race. If this happens, this will bring out the Safety Car in order to make sure that the drivers are safe and happy racing in the challenging conditions that could be presented to them.

2.La Source- We have seen over the past few years (especially in 2012 with Lotus driver Romain Grosjean crashing into Fernando Alonso and taking out Lewis Hamilton) an incident taking place at the first corner at La Source. Will we see another action packed sprint to the first corner this year?

3.Engines- With Spa being the longest lap on the calendar, this could ever well test the engines in the cars. This could be for example worrying for a team such as Mercedes who have suffered three retirements so far this season and stated that they have made improvements to help increase their reliability. But will their improvements help them in Spa?

4.Eau Rouge- As you all know, there is nothing better than seeing a Formula One car going flat out at one of the best corners in the world which is Eau Rouge. There has been speculation in the paddock this week that many drivers may not be able to take Eau Rouge flat out like they used to anymore due to the new technical regulations that started this year. Will this speculation be proven right this weekend?

5.Hamilton V Rosberg- Who will lead the way this weekend? Can Rosberg show his recent form and extend his championship lead further? Or can Hamilton after fighting and battling his way through the grid at Germany and Hungary get the upper hand on his team mate and close Rosberg's gap in the championship down? All eyes will be focusing on this battle throughout the weekend.

If the Belgian Grand Prix is anything to go by after Hungary, we look set to witness yet another exciting race this weekend. Will Mercedes improve on their form in Germany? Will Ferrari, Williams and McLaren be able to also challenge in the race? Will Red Bull make another step forward to challenge the front?

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 the BBC 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

•BBC-
Friday Practice 1 at 8.55 Practice 2 at 12.55pm
Saturday Practice 3 at 9.45 Qualifying from 12.10pm
Sunday Race from 12.10 with Highlights at 7.00pm