Spa of doubts, F1 resumes

As the Spa Grand Prix approaches, the F1 circus has put away the beach towels and stored the sunscreen, the race finally resumes its rights.

Leading the championship, Mark Webber is ahead of Hamilton and his teammate Vettel in the standings. For the RBR boys, the Belgian circuit could be a peacemaker because the selective track offered at Spa craves engine power. Despite this concern, the Australian-German duo believes that the team is strong enough to meet the demands of the circuit at Raidillon. However, they acknowledge that the long straights could determine their chances of victory.

Technically, the single-seater designed by Adrian Newey is the most advanced car on the grid. The only weak point is the top speed, especially when compared to the figures posted by Mercedes’ engine. On the Spa circuit, the speed of the RBR will be perfect for negotiating the high-speed corners of the track, but the characteristics of the 1st and 3rd sectors will certainly not be an advantage for the Milton Keynes team.

After a summer break that we hope is beneficial for the entire lineup, it is clear that the name Spa whets the appetite. Is there a better circuit to resume the season?

For drivers, there’s nothing more enticing than the Belgian asphalt thawed at Eau Rouge.

What Webber confirms: «I don’t think there’s a driver on the grid who isn’t looking forward to Spa.»

The Australian is confident: “It’s an incredible circuit to drive. I think we can perform well there; for everyone, the question is whether it will be like in Budapest. I know our team is ready.”

For Vettel, his less spirited teammate in Hungary, the assessment is the same: I love Spa, it has some of the best corners in Formula 1. They are long, fast, and thus suited to our cars. We were very competitive in the race last year, but a bit less so in qualifying… Our weakness will be the long straights and also the uphill sections, we know it won’t be easy for us, but I am optimistic for the race.

The resumption of hostilities in F1 will also mark the return of suspicions and other chronic doubts. If the RB6 once again shows exceptional performance, it is certain that many people in the paddock will reignite the debate about the hyper flexibility of the Red Bull’s front wing. The new tests decided by the FIA will begin this weekend, based on a new nomenclature to clarify this matter as much as possible. For the Austrian team, it is certain that the wings of their cars will successfully pass these new tests.

For Red Bull, the Belgian challenge will be difficult because beyond the specificity of the track, the competitors will be there, ready to fight. Ferrari and especially McLaren will be in Belgium with the objective of preventing Webber and Vettel from asserting their superiority.

The Scuderia will use a new floor from Friday’s practice sessions. For McLaren, Spa will be an opportunity to use major new updates to optimize the performance of the blown diffuser.

The trio of leading teams will still have to watch their rearview mirrors because Mercedes needs to respond. For Schumacher, a victory on this legendary circuit would be a first step towards redemption.

On the French side, Kubica must be hungry for results, while Petrov has a card to play, because on such a selective circuit, a good result would guarantee him a signature on a contract as a regular driver with Renault next season.

For Williams, the contribution of new elements, front and rear wings, could confirm a regular position in the top 10 for Barrichello and Hülkenberg.

Force India might want to relive its past exploits on this circuit, the Mercedes engine could help them in that.

With its legendary Swiss discretion, Sauber is making steady progress, and its Japanese driver Kobayashi might surprise on this track that demands unwavering courage.

Spa sees F1 come back to life, this legendary circuit is the perfect remedy after an acute withdrawal crisis.

To be taken in a large glass of red water.