[Gavster]

After a long and dreary four week break, Formula One returns to the historic Spa Francorchamps circuit for the Belgium Grand Prix.


F1 1998 Spa Francorchamps Big Crash
Uploaded by nickodu56. - NASCAR, F1, tuning and drift videos.

The race is notorious for its unpredictable weather, mainly due to the circuit's location in the green Ardennes hills. The forecast is wet for practice and qualifying, but dry for the race. This may change


Following the controversy of the flexible front wings on the Red Bull and Ferrari cars in recent races, the FIA is introducing an improved load test to measure deflection. Something tells me this won't make a blind bit of difference, as the wind load at high speed is at least 150kg. The FIA are only testing 100kg, up from 50kg. Even so, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Red Bull stiffened their wing slightly to past the test.

Mclaren have reported that they have found extra time in their 'blown diffuser' after scrutinising the data from the last race. How much this improves their car remains to be seen, but the track should offer a huge advantage to their F-Duct system. I have the impression their factory has been working like the Nazi war machine over the break! I know they are meant to take an enforced two week break, but you can't tell me there aren't people remotely accessing factory systems to test simulations and design improvements ready to prototype on their return to work. (same goes for Ferrari)

Ferrari have announced a series of further updates for Spa, and I see Ferrari having a decent package this week. Ferrari have won the last three races, so one could argue that the track suits their car.

Renault could be 'best of the rest' having developed the F-Duct and blown diffuser for use on their car. A few strong showings from the team already this season indicate they are close to staking their claim for more podiums.

Williams struggled on the Hockenheim straight, so I expect that Cosworth engine to be outclassed by the Renault this week.

If I was at RedBull, I'd be backing Webber right now; he gets the job done when his younger team mate cracks under pressure.


Webber to win race - 6.0 @ Bwin
Alonso to win race - 4.0 @ various
Massa to win race - 15.0 @ Bluesq ew 1/4 to 3 places (just in case Alonso has a howler)
Kubica to win race - 67.0 @ Bluesq ew 1/4 to 3 places


Top 6 finish

Kubica - 2.5 @ Bluesq
Petrov - 9.0 @ Bluesq


I can't really find much else. It's like the beginning of the season all over again! I will wait until practice one to gauge who might be showing some form.