Poll: Official 2023 Belgian Grand Prix Thread - Spa-Franchorchamps, Stavelot - Round 13

[chrismscotland]

Spa-Francorchamps

When was the track built?

The original, triangle-shaped track was built in 1921, with designers Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem using public roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot to create an amazing 14.9km circuit taking in the forests and rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region. The track was redeveloped in 1979, and although the new circuit is only half the original's length, it’s still the longest on the current calendar at 7.004km.

When was its first Grand Prix?

Having hosted a non-championship Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, Belgium’s iconic circuit was one of just seven to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950. That race was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who led home an Alfa Romeo one-two ahead of team mate Nino Farina.

What’s the circuit like?

Spa is among Formula 1 drivers’ most loved tracks, with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners allowing them to push their cars to the edge of their capabilities – if it’s dry, that is. The size of the track and the nature of Belgian weather means it can sometimes be raining on one part of the track and dry on another, meaning grip can vary from one corner to the next. Keep an eye on the thrilling Eau Rouge, arguably the most famous sequence of corners in the world, as the drivers flick left, right and then up the hill through Raidillon.

Why go?

What’s not to love about one of Europe’s classic tracks? Only the truly great drivers conquer Spa, with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher among those to master this magical circuit. Add in the wonderful setting of the Ardennes forest and it’s no surprise that it’s a fan favourite, with a record 265,000 spectators turning out to watch the 2017 Spa showdown.

Where is the best place to watch?

The elevated grandstand located near Eau Rouge gives you the best view of the iconic corner, while also boasting panoramic views from La Source through to Raidillon. But if you fancy taking in some of the best trackside atmosphere, then the grandstand located on the Pouhon corner should be right up your street.

Belgian Grand Prix 2023 - Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 29th July - Belgian GP Qualifying Highlights - 19:45
Sunday 30th July - Belgian GP Race Highlights - 18:30

Weekend Weather Forecast (as at 18:00 on 24/07/2023)​

Track Diagram & Information​

Previous Race Highlights​

• Belgian Grand Prix 2022 - Race Highlights
• Belgian Grand Prix 2021 - "Race" Highlights (LOL)
• Belgian Grand Prix 2020 - Race Highlights
• Belgian Grand Prix 2019 - Race Highlights

Championship Standings​

Drivers Championship​

Constructors Championship​

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[chrismscotland]

Sprint race weekend and by the looks of it a decent chance of mixed weather, hopefully not as wet at 2021 was though please!

 

[chrismscotland]

Is my memory broken again, or is this the first time doing a sprint race at Spa?

Will the new fixed tyes compunds apply to sprint shootout as well?

As the Murray-ism saying goes, if is f1 backwards, the grand prix qualifying in what looks to be the wettest day of the meeting could result in some diversion in setups for better pace on the drier Sunday.

Yeah first Sprint Race at Spa

 

[chrismscotland]

I do hope they've worked to improve the safety. We do not need another death.

I don't think they've done anything since the recent fatality, that said I don't think F1 would have been racing in those conditions

 

[chrismscotland]

Didn't expect Spa this quickly, isn't it normally August bank holiday ? (for us in the uk)

Yeah its usually the first one back after the break, not sure exactly why it was moved although this time last year it wasn't even contracted as a race so probably had to just take the slot available.
I used to like the Spa - Zandvoort - Monza triple header!

Edit: Apparantly they had planned to rejig the calendar and move Imola to July and put South Africa into the early season Imola slot - because Kyalami fell through Imola was moved back to its normal slot and Belgium was put into the empty July slot.

Ironic - Imola would have been dry this weekend likely!

 

[chrismscotland]

They'd need so many armed guards the government might have feared a coup!

Probably about as many as they'd need at Paul Ricard to keep the French away from the track as well!

The best thing about that video is the build up with Murray and Brundle chatting about how the conditions are fine and the guys on inters have got it right

Seeing it again, I think it's frightening how easily someone could have been badly hurt. Lucky escape for several that day. Also the casualness with which the drivers hopped out and milled about on track with rescue cars, etc. going past in those days.

Oh! and that was the same race Schumacher drove into the back of Coulthard and then stormed down the pits to try and punch him. Classic.

Changed days, in 1998 after all the changes after Senna's death the drivers probably felt fairly safe, like I said though - changed days.

That's what I always remember about that race.

/edit - How was that 25 years ago

I know I can't believe it was quarter of a century ago either! Bloody hell!

 

[chrismscotland]

Wasn't there talk about moving Belgium because of the weather as well? End of August is typically wet around there.

Well if this weekend's forecast is anything to go by - late July isn't much better

 

[chrismscotland]

I expect given recent events that the F1 race director will be even more on the side of caution when/if it does rain

 

[chrismscotland]

That would add a bit of interest to the first six laps.

6 laps? I think that's generous

 

[chrismscotland]

Some talk of the race weekend being cancelled due to the amount of rain

I've seen an article talking about FP1 potentially, but the forecast is much better for the rest of the weekend, certainly I don't see an issue with us getting a race on Sunday.
F3 is out on track just now, its wet but I've seen it a lot worse.

 

[chrismscotland]

Pérez must be doing a frantic rain dance...

What was it before?

Used to be the result of the last session that had run I believe, so if P1 was run and complete that would be the starting grid, P2 > P3, etc

 

[chrismscotland]

As annoying as it is, it wouldn't be the worst top 10 grid in the world:

1. Perez
2. Alonso
3. Hamilton
4. Russell
5. Sainz
6. Verstappen
7. Leclerc
8. Norris
9. Stroll
10. Ocon

Max will still win though.

Wouldn't be the grid though it'll be Championship Order:

1. Max
2. Perez
3. Alonso
4. Hamilton
5. Russell
6. Sainz
7. Leclerc
8. Norris
9. Stroll
10. Ocon

I cant see quali running in that weather

 

[chrismscotland]

Doh! I forgot about the penalty!

 

[chrismscotland]

Wierd seeing so much of Brundle on a Friday!

 

[chrismscotland]

Looking a lot drier at Spa now

 

[chrismscotland]

Yeah I don't see Qualifying happening if this rain stays on, amazing how quick it changes

 

[chrismscotland]

Does Quali have a window of time they are allowed like the race does, if it doesn't start on time?

I don't think so - if its not started - its not started

 

[chrismscotland]

I assume now that Russell is sitting at the end of the pit lane that the team can't drag him back into the garage?

 

[chrismscotland]

Who do we think is going to end up screwing up and going out in Q3? My bet's Perez

 

[chrismscotland]

Sorry meant Q1!