2010 Belgian Grand Prix SPOILERS

2010 Belgian Grand Prix ***SPOILERS***
Date: August 25, 2010 04:16PM
Posted by: SchueyFan

Registered: 19 years ago

Preview
After the traditional mid-season break, F1 returns at very possibly its best circuit, Spa-Francorchamps. After Bahrain, this season has finally lived up to our expectations, and we now have 5 drivers within 20 points (~8 points in the old system).

The track has undergone some small changes for 2010, with more tarmac run-offs installed at Les Combes, including the "sleeping policeman" to prevent corner-cutting. The astroturf at La Source has also been extended, possibly to prevent drivers emulating Räikkönen's controversial start to last year's race.

Recent Winners:
2009 - Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari)
2008 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
2007 - Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari)
2005 - Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren)
2004 - Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren)
2002 - Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2001 - Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2000 - Mika Häkkinen (McLaren)

In the recent years, Spa has been clear McLaren and Ferrari territory. The track has hosted some very memorable Ferrari vs. McLaren battles, such as 2000 and 2008. Infact, Jordan is the only other team to win here stretching back to 1996. However, with Kimi now gone, it only leaves two past winners, an unusally low number, on the grid - Schumacher and Massa. However, with Schumacher to suffer a grid penalty, and Massa struggling in qualifying against Alonso, it opens the door for a first-time winner at the track.

Form Guide
Red Bull - As always in 2010, favourites. However, their margin should not be as great as in Hungary, and they can expect a close battle with Ferrari and McLaren. Sooner or later, Vettel must have a run of good Sundays, and this could be the start.
McLaren - After the disappointment of Hungary, there is hope, with the long straights theoretically bringing them back into the fold. Button needs to arrest his downward spiral, particularly in qualifying, if he wants to remain a legitimate championship contender.
Ferrari - They seem to have found a newfound consistency across all styles of track. Both drivers are in form, but there is a big cloud over the team as to what happens if Massa is ahead of Alonso on track.
Mercedes - With a shift in focus towards 2011, and Schumacher's grid penalty, it could be a tough race for Mercedes. Schumacher will probably be forced to charge through the field, and it will be interesting to see if the events in Hungary have any affect on his aggression.
Renault - Kubica has lost some of his early-season momentum in the last few races with a mechanical failure and a pit crash. With the F-Duct finally making it onto the car, and Petrov coming off his best ever race, Renault could make further inroads on Mercedes in 4th.
Force India - While their heroics of 2009 seem beyond them, they should be battling with Renault and Mercedes for best of the rest. At Montreal, they proved they still have good performance on low-downforce tracks, and after two no-scoring races, they need to bounce back.
Williams - Barrichello's partnership with Williams is gaining new fans all the time, and at his 300th race, he will be keen to mark it with a good result. However, Williams have struggled on the low-downforce tracks in the last couple of years.
Sauber - After a dreadful start to the year, Sauber have improved rapidly in the last few races. Points may not come as easily here, but with their fantastic mix of experience and youth, they should challenge the Williams.
Toro Rosso - A disappointing year for Red Bull's stablemate, with few highlights. They need some attrition or a wet race in order to score some points.
Lotus - This could be one of Lotus' best chances for a decent result this year. With two experienced and reliable drivers, they could get a 11th or 12th to possibly secure the valuable 10th place in the Constructors' Championship.
HRT - With money still presiding over ability at HRT, there isn't much hope for a strong result from HRT. However, with the little downforce they have, they may get a small advantage here compared to the other new teams.
Virgin - Much like Lotus, they will be hoping to get a result which could help in their charge for 10th in the championship. Firstly, they need to get ahead of HRT, which can be done with a 14th place or better.

X (@ed24f1)

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/25/2010 04:19PM by SchueyFan.