Grand Prix thread 2015 Belgian Grand Prix Chat and Predictions

We ended the first half of a Mercedes dominated season, with no Mercedes on the podium. Title outsider Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari and recent World Champions Redbull have found form. Mercedes continue to throw away results. What will this brilliant track present to us after the Summer break?

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

Number of times held 70
First held 1925
Most wins (drivers)

please log in to view this image

Michael Schumacher (6)
Most wins (constructors)

please log in to view this image

Ferrari (16)
Circuit length 7.004 km (4.352 mi)
Race length 308.052 km (191.410 mi)
Laps 44

LIVE ON THE BBC

FP1 21/08- 9am
FP2 21/08- 1pm
SP3 22/08- 10pm
Q 22/08- 1pm
R 23/08- 1pm

5 Points:
di Fredsta!,

4 Points:
happyal, exfat, DHCanary, Alderpiereld, EternalMSC, SgtBhaji, dhel, jonnybaws, Max Whiplash

3 Points:
Paco Montoya, El_Bando, eddie_squidd, St. Slicks of Stoneham, ched999uk,

2 Points:
TheJudeanPeoplesFront, Eat Sleep Watch F1 Repeat, ErnieBecclestone, 51LV3R8RR04, BrightLampShade, PaulK

1 Point:
BojackHCAFCman, StGeordie, Dell Boy, TomTom94, allsaintchris, Mystic Nutmeg, cosicave, taeleon, fevriul, St.
LewisFTW, dicostu333, smhbcfc, WestCoastBoogaloo, Smithers​

 

It's the sort of track where you almost don't want to be on pole. That long uphill drag is much easier in a slipstream

 

England have won the Ashes, all I need for a perfect summer would be for McHonda to improve into some solid points positions.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...Can't have everything though eh!

 

If merc still cant get away at the green lights then we're in for another good one. I look forward to seeing what kimi can do as this is his best track.

 

Good point, I forgot the manual start procedure will come into force this weekend.

 

Wonder if that Sunday thunderstorm will sneak up on us?

 

I predict that with everyone worrying about the start procedure, La Source will be fine partly because everyone's so cagey, then someone will cock it up and we'll lose five cars in Eau Rouge.

 

Crazy thought, Vettel can theoretically overtake Rosberg in the championship this weekend. That would be an unexpected twist to the year.

 

It has changed a bit over the years!


50's


70's

90's

10's?

 

Look how full it was with fans in the 3rd

 

I'm expecting Hamilton to take this one but the new launch procedure could throw some surprises so if others take an early lead it may be less clear-cut.

So far as the new launch procedure is concerned – and all else being equal – those with better traction such as Williams and Mercedes ought to do better off the line. But all else is far from equal. More power and torque increases the difficulty for the driver so in theory those with fewer horses and 'torques' (J.Clarkson's incorrect terminology) have more chance of a clean getaway. Trick clutches – and drivers who can best feel what is happening to them – will make the most significant difference, especially in damp or cool conditions; but those with less raw power and cars which produce their maximum torque at lower revs will have a relatively easier job – especially with this being the first such occasion. Of course, the same applies to getting out of the pit-lane…

The Renault powered Red Bull cars will probably qualify behind the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Williams, but it's possible we may see one or both of them scythe through before others get into their stride. McLaren may also gain at the start but despite recent claims about the Honda power unit, I expect their best remaining circuit to be Singapore.

 

Big winners in terms of the start include Button and Alonso. Kimi will suffer having to 'feel' the car as Cosi said.

 

Kimi will probably put it in pit exit mode and just do doughnuts for the first 90 seconds.

The more things change the more things stay the same, I have a feeling that the cars will all get away just fine this weekend. Instead of going for that extra metre worth of jump they'll all play it safe.

 

Yeah, this. Same as happened with the HUGE DRAMATIC pit radio changes, i.e. bugger all.

 

I can't think of the last time it happened but Rosberg might not drive this weekend. He has a jet on standby for if his wife goes into labour.

At the end of the day it's just a sport and he's right to put his family first. The babies not actually due till after the weekend so I hope he can have a stress free weekend, more for his wife's sake!

 

Pascal Wehrlein better be ready.

 

Somebody was drinking when they designed the Mercedes low drag rear wing, it's not straight!

please log in to view this image

 

Low drag? Jesus how is that meant to be thin.

 

Could be worse, Williams have just turned up with all the downforce

please log in to view this image

Looks like Mercedes idea is to shed drag on the outer edges of the rear wing, having it play with the wash off the sidepods.

please log in to view this image

 

Good point BLS. Didn't think the modifications on the rear wing are aligned with the side pods.