Track & Race Info:
Length: 7,004km
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 20
Feature Race: 25 laps
Sprint Race: 18 laps
With the summer break over, the GP2 Series is back in action this weekend at the legendary circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. The event at the prestigious high-speed track is always a highlight of the season, and this year event more so: It is the home race of championship dominator Stoffel Vandoorne, and after a (for his standards) underwhelming performance in Hungary the Belgian will be ready to attack again. With 194 points and an impressive advantage of 85 points over his closest rival, Vandoorne’s championship lead is not in danger, however, the ART GP driver will be aiming to return to the top of the podium again, especially in front of his home crowd.
Behind Vandoorne, the fight for second in the championship is wide open: Rio Haryanto has the upper hand at the moment, having managed to overtake Alexander Rossi and sitting in second place with 109 points.
Rossi has to settle for third place after a weekend without scoring points in Hungary. Sitting only four points behind Haryanto, the American needs to find his form again if he wants to challenge his Indonesian rival and escape the claws of Sergey Sirotkin: The Russian is in excellent form, having claimed his maiden GP2 victory in Silverstone and two podium finishes in Hungary, and he is putting pressure on Rossi by closing the gap to only two points. With the stakes this high for all top drivers, the race weekend in Belgium promises breath-taking action.
Key Factors:
It is impossible to write about the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps without mentioning the infamous Eau Rouge. This high-speed turn, as well as its only slightly less famous cousin Blanchimont, are where the men will be separated from the boys: Both corners need to be taken at full throttle to take enough speed into the following straights, and that takes both skill and bravery. One mistake can not only ruin your flying lap but also your car: Both corners have been the scenes of many shunts and accidents and demand respect.
The track will be challenging, not only for the drivers but for the tyres as well: The high speeds put enormous stress on the Pirelli rubber, and as it is the longest race track on the calendar tyre management and conservation will once again be important.
Last but not least, the weather is a dominant factor in this weekend as well: Spa is not only famous for its challenging corner, but also for the ever-changing weather conditions and torrential downpours. Drivers need to be flexible to adapt quickly to the weather changes, as Spa’s infamous unpredictable sky can make or break a race.
Timetable:
Friday: Free Practice at 12:00 local time (CEST), Qualifying at 15:55 local time (CEST)
Saturday: Feature Race at 15:40 local time (CEST)
Sunday: Sprint Race at 10:35 local time (CEST)
Driver changes:
Oliver Rowland returns to the GP2 Series after having made his debut on home soil in Silverstone: the British driver rejoins MP Motorsport, replacing Nicolas Latifi. Gustav Majla will take over Rene Binder’s Trident car, as the Austrian will not take part in the event due to medical reasons.
