Belgian GP: what time is the race? And why is quali on Friday?

Finally 12 months’s Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen began in P14 however after simply 12 laps he was within the lead. This 12 months his Purple Bull is much more dominant than it was earlier than, so excuse us if we are able to solely see one reasonable final result this weekend.

So, um, why do you have to trouble tuning into the Belgian GP on Sunday? Effectively there’s at all times an opportunity {that a} mechanical DNF would possibly blow issues broad open, and behind Purple Bull the battle between the chasing pack is definitely actually shut.

Then contemplate that this can be a Dash weekend, which suggests the same old format goes out the window: the groups solely get one follow session to dial of their automobiles and in the event that they get their setup fallacious, the pecking order may change dramatically.

Plus, the climate forecast… isn’t dry. Which normally means chaos. Extra on that under.

What time is the Belgian GP? And what time is qualifying?

The Belgian Grand Prix begins at 2pm BST on Sunday 30 July, though qualifying for the primary race strikes from its ordinary slot to 4pm on Friday 28 July.

That frees up Saturday for the mini-quali that’s the Dash Shootout and Dash race, which kick off at 11am and three.30pm respectively.

Oh, and if you wish to watch the one follow session of the weekend then it begins at 12.30pm on Friday, a couple of hours earlier than qualifying.

What’s the climate going to be like?

As talked about above, the climate forecast is moist. Very moist. And that’s one thing of a priority as a result of the final time it rained lots in Belgium we didn’t get a single racing lap and the highest 10 went residence with half factors for his or her transient look behind the security automotive. That was a foul weekend for F1.

Anyway, persistent rain appears to be like possible on Friday whereas thunder and lightning is feasible on Saturday. Sunday needs to be drier as issues stand, however rain nonetheless appears to be like a menace when the lights are set to exit.

The place is the Belgian GP going down?

It’s being held at Spa-Francorchamps, normally recognized merely as Spa. The monitor is positioned within the hilly Ardennes Forest area within the East of Belgium, not removed from the border with Germany. The topography is an enormous cause the rain is so typically affected by rain, regardless that it’s at all times held in the summertime.

What number of laps is the Belgian GP?

The Belgian GP is 44 laps, the smallest quantity on the F1 calendar as a result of it’s by far the longest circuit, measuring 7.004km (4.352mi). In addition to the steep, blind hill that’s the Eau Rouge-Radillon sequence, Spa is filled with quick, sweeping corners with valuable little run off space for many who get it fallacious. Observe limits are hardly ever an issue for the stewards right here as a result of anybody straying over them will instantly discover themselves plunging by way of gravel.

Who’s going to win the Belgian GP?

Barring a mechanical failure or crash, Max Verstappen. Subsequent query please.

Is it actually that a lot of a foregone conclusion?

We want it weren’t so. However look, if Verstappen is compelled to retire for no matter cause then the battle actually can be broad open: McLaren’s transformation has been staggering over the past couple of races and Lando Norris is in purple scorching kind and rookie Oscar Piastri has proven tempo past his expertise… both profitable could be a sight to behold, that’s for certain.

You then’ve bought Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes: the staff has taken a brand new path with its automotive just lately and the drivers have often featured on the rostrum. Ferrari may spring a shock, Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso are due an excellent outcome… who is aware of?

Having stated that, Verstappen believes Purple Bull may win each race this season and so his teammate Sergio Perez can’t be counted out both. Effectively, not solely.

How can I watch the Belgian GP?

UK viewers can both tune into Sky Sports activities, or in case you have NowTV you’ll be able to stream Sky’s devoted F1 channel by way of that. Alternatively you’ll be able to persist with the highlights as a substitute: these are broadcast free-to-air by Channel 4, with quali and race exhibits coming at 7.45pm and 6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively. There isn’t a programme on Friday regardless that it’s a Dash weekend, sorry.

If the radio is enough, tune into BBC 5 dwell for commentary because the Dash and Grand Prix unfold.

What’s the Prime Gear view on the Belgian GP?

The Belgian Grand Prix is a favorite of ours for a number of causes: the difficult structure and its ultra-fast corners, the gorgeous location, the unforgiving nature of the monitor… it’s a world away from racing in a Miami automotive park.

Nonetheless, there’s no denying that the monitor has a fame for hazard and just a few weeks in the past 18-year-old racer Dilano van ‘t Hoff misplaced his life at Spa throughout a Components Regional European race. We actually hope that the monitor modifications launched just lately assist to scale back the dangers and maintain everybody as secure as doable. That’s a very powerful factor.