Official 2020 Belgian Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**
Discussion
How time flies- we’re already at Round 7, Belgium. Le Clerc won here last year, but it’s impossible to see Ferrari doing the same this year.
Do take a moment to remember Anthoine Hubert, the Formula 2 driver who was killed in a dreadful collision at the circuit last year.
Qualifying engine modes remain for this race, and it’s probably hard to look beyond Hamilton for yet another win (yawn), but at least the circuit is a more of a test that Barcelona, even if modern-day cars have neutered the challenge a bit.
As a reminder of how on edge Eau Rouge used to be, and how great the cars sounded, here’s Jenson in the BAR in 2004:
https://youtu.be/0m0da-K4XT4
Also, a fabulous montage of previous f1 cars at Spa:
https://youtu.be/Qx1sRHlRgEE
Date(s): Friday 28 August 2020 - Sunday 30 August 2020
UK Broadcast Timings (and local time)
All sessions are live on Sky F1; race and Qualifying are live on Channel 4:
Live timing for all sessions available here:
https://www.formula1.com/en/f1-live.html
Lap times, PU component use, technical reports and Stewards' decisions for the weekend will appear here:
https://www.fia.com/championship/events/fia-formul...
Weather forecast:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2798003
Tyre options:
2019 Qualifying Result:
2019 Race Result:
2019 race highlights:
https://youtu.be/7sIkMy-17hY
Le Clerc had come close to wins twice before in his first season with Ferrari, but he delivered under pressure at the classic Spa track. He had to fight for it as Hamilton closed in to cross the line less than a second behind in a close finish.
Do take a moment to remember Anthoine Hubert, the Formula 2 driver who was killed in a dreadful collision at the circuit last year.
Qualifying engine modes remain for this race, and it’s probably hard to look beyond Hamilton for yet another win (yawn), but at least the circuit is a more of a test that Barcelona, even if modern-day cars have neutered the challenge a bit.
As a reminder of how on edge Eau Rouge used to be, and how great the cars sounded, here’s Jenson in the BAR in 2004:
https://youtu.be/0m0da-K4XT4
Also, a fabulous montage of previous f1 cars at Spa:
https://youtu.be/Qx1sRHlRgEE
Date(s): Friday 28 August 2020 - Sunday 30 August 2020
UK Broadcast Timings (and local time)
All sessions are live on Sky F1; race and Qualifying are live on Channel 4:
Live timing for all sessions available here:
https://www.formula1.com/en/f1-live.html
Lap times, PU component use, technical reports and Stewards' decisions for the weekend will appear here:
https://www.fia.com/championship/events/fia-formul...
Weather forecast:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2798003
Tyre options:
2019 Qualifying Result:
2019 Race Result:
2019 race highlights:
https://youtu.be/7sIkMy-17hY
Le Clerc had come close to wins twice before in his first season with Ferrari, but he delivered under pressure at the classic Spa track. He had to fight for it as Hamilton closed in to cross the line less than a second behind in a close finish.
Unfortunately this season looks weird so far. Which Mercedes will be on pole? Hamilton wins followed by Max who somehow drags that red bull up there, Bottas third. And then let’s pray there will be tyre issues or rain. Could we just give Hamilton his 7th title and put him and max on furlough until the next season so we could watch some real racing? 
The Moose said:
Love this race! Can’t wait 
My favourite also. I have driven it a few times ..it is so damn quick. I recall this old video of F1 vs GT cars at Spa and you realize how staggeringly fast the F1 cars are going.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0
I have run a bunch of GT3RS there over the years, and most unlikely of all..my Panamera in 2019
...
I cannot see anyone beating Hamilton here, but the mid race is interesting this year.
RDMcG said:
The Moose said:
Love this race! Can’t wait
My favourite also. I have driven it a few times ..it is so damn quick. I recall this old video of F1 vs GT cars at Spa and you realize how staggeringly fast the F1 cars are going.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0
I have run a bunch of GT3RS there over the years, and most unlikely of all..my Panamera in 2019
...I cannot see anyone beating Hamilton here, but the mid race is interesting this year.
You clearly are significantly more wealthy than me - I never could stomach the prices of the trackside photographer!!
Yes, I agree that it’s likely to be a Hamilton weekend.
Some thoughts on Merc v RB.
At the previous race there wasn't anything particularly impressive about the RB16 relative to Merc W11. It was clearly behind the Merc car in all sectors, whilst traditionally RB cars have performed well and at least on par with the Mercs in the slow speed corners (mostly sector 3).
So, ultimate 1-lap pace isn't there yet, but it is thereabouts in race pace at least, and the trend is that, the team is slowly unlocking pace from the car as they start to understand the issues. Updates expected for Merc & RB next weekend.
If RB are able to solve issues with the car, they should be able to challenge Merc on 1-lap pace IMO, it will be a proper development war then to the end.
The problem with the RB16 according to AMuS is that the downforce is inconsistent through the corners, with the longer and/or faster corners making it worse. Verstappen is able to handle it more than Albon.
Hopefully, the updates go a long way towards solving the issues, and the engine regs fix coming at Monza help too.
At the previous race there wasn't anything particularly impressive about the RB16 relative to Merc W11. It was clearly behind the Merc car in all sectors, whilst traditionally RB cars have performed well and at least on par with the Mercs in the slow speed corners (mostly sector 3).
So, ultimate 1-lap pace isn't there yet, but it is thereabouts in race pace at least, and the trend is that, the team is slowly unlocking pace from the car as they start to understand the issues. Updates expected for Merc & RB next weekend.
If RB are able to solve issues with the car, they should be able to challenge Merc on 1-lap pace IMO, it will be a proper development war then to the end.
The problem with the RB16 according to AMuS is that the downforce is inconsistent through the corners, with the longer and/or faster corners making it worse. Verstappen is able to handle it more than Albon.
Hopefully, the updates go a long way towards solving the issues, and the engine regs fix coming at Monza help too.
The Moose said:
Likewise. My favorite circuit to drive also. I think my most enjoyable 2 cars there were an M3 CSL and 964 RS. About the most totally different vehicles possible - the CSL just suited the circuit down to the ground once you got the traction control turned down a little especially as you go a little light coming out the top of Raidillon. The 964 was great fun too but in a totally different way. Super enjoyable times that I’d love to have back!
You clearly are significantly more wealthy than me - I never could stomach the prices of the trackside photographer!!
Yes, I agree that it’s likely to be a Hamilton weekend.
It was cheap at Spa..about 50 euros as it was a group rate for all the cars as I recall...not that bad! You clearly are significantly more wealthy than me - I never could stomach the prices of the trackside photographer!!
Yes, I agree that it’s likely to be a Hamilton weekend.
I think regards RB catching up with the Mercs... The RB is always going to be a very edgy car, it's designed that way. Technically capable of brilliance so long as it's brilliantly driven - they will no doubt continue to reign it in via updates and experience of what setup works best, and the drivers will continue to adapt to it too... But realistically we could already be half way through the season so I can't see it catching up with the Merc car that was solidly ahead fresh out of the box.
Interesting that we're potentially half way through the season - it's gone past so quickly! Also interesting that after decades of FOM wanting a more tightly packed calendar and the teams pushing back saying it puts too much pressure on them, that this year it's being proven that they can in fact do triple headers and only a single weekend off in between. Not only are they making it work, but under unusual circumstances with reduced numbers of people and during a season in which several teams are also battling off-track in various ways AND the FIA fiddling with the rules mid-season now too.
I think it's comparable to businesses that are reducing their physical office premises as it's now proven that people can work effectively from home. In F1, it's proving teams can do more with less so I wonder how much Liberty will want to swell and tightly pack future season calendars off the back of that... And they have a few new circuits they're using this year, any of those prove popular they'll want to shoe-horn those in in future seasons too perhaps. 26 races a year?
Interesting that we're potentially half way through the season - it's gone past so quickly! Also interesting that after decades of FOM wanting a more tightly packed calendar and the teams pushing back saying it puts too much pressure on them, that this year it's being proven that they can in fact do triple headers and only a single weekend off in between. Not only are they making it work, but under unusual circumstances with reduced numbers of people and during a season in which several teams are also battling off-track in various ways AND the FIA fiddling with the rules mid-season now too.
I think it's comparable to businesses that are reducing their physical office premises as it's now proven that people can work effectively from home. In F1, it's proving teams can do more with less so I wonder how much Liberty will want to swell and tightly pack future season calendars off the back of that... And they have a few new circuits they're using this year, any of those prove popular they'll want to shoe-horn those in in future seasons too perhaps. 26 races a year?
ash73 said:
Shame they haven't implemented the single map rule yet... would have been interesting to see how they (whoever 'they' might be) coped with less downforce at this track.
I think it's more interesting that they've delayed it by a week, so that we get I direct comparison at the two low-downforce power circuits. If there's any significant change in form between Spa and Monza then it gives a big indication that something is up.thegreenhell said:
ash73 said:
Shame they haven't implemented the single map rule yet... would have been interesting to see how they (whoever 'they' might be) coped with less downforce at this track.
I think it's more interesting that they've delayed it by a week, so that we get I direct comparison at the two low-downforce power circuits. If there's any significant change in form between Spa and Monza then it gives a big indication that something is up.The top cars are all going to have somewhat less available in quali and more available in race as a result of whatever compromise they choose when selecting the single mode. That is bound to have an effect - it just might not change the order.
TheDeuce said:
thegreenhell said:
ash73 said:
Shame they haven't implemented the single map rule yet... would have been interesting to see how they (whoever 'they' might be) coped with less downforce at this track.
I think it's more interesting that they've delayed it by a week, so that we get I direct comparison at the two low-downforce power circuits. If there's any significant change in form between Spa and Monza then it gives a big indication that something is up.The top cars are all going to have somewhat less available in quali and more available in race as a result of whatever compromise they choose when selecting the single mode. That is bound to have an effect - it just might not change the order.
The focus is on how ERS is potentially manipulated to gain advantage.
thegreenhell said:
ash73 said:
Shame they haven't implemented the single map rule yet... would have been interesting to see how they (whoever 'they' might be) coped with less downforce at this track.
I think it's more interesting that they've delayed it by a week, so that we get I direct comparison at the two low-downforce power circuits. If there's any significant change in form between Spa and Monza then it gives a big indication that something is up.At Spa there are two ways of achieving the same theoretical lap time in terms of downforce. It will be very interesting to see who goes in which direction as regards the setup. Teams with a power advantage might go for a higher downforce setup than others. It is similar to Silverstone actually, so interested to see how RB & Merc go. IIRC RB have tried a low downforce setup when they were with Renault, with mixed results. So, I think Spa favours teams with a power advantage in terms of downforce.
I found it very interesting that Ferrari managed to get a low downforce setup working around Silverstone. Looking at the wing levels at Silverstone I would put Merc > Honda > Renault > Ferrari as the order in terms of power levels. It would be nice if the power levels were equalised soon...
coetzeeh said:
TheDeuce said:
thegreenhell said:
ash73 said:
Shame they haven't implemented the single map rule yet... would have been interesting to see how they (whoever 'they' might be) coped with less downforce at this track.
I think it's more interesting that they've delayed it by a week, so that we get I direct comparison at the two low-downforce power circuits. If there's any significant change in form between Spa and Monza then it gives a big indication that something is up.The top cars are all going to have somewhat less available in quali and more available in race as a result of whatever compromise they choose when selecting the single mode. That is bound to have an effect - it just might not change the order.
The focus is on how ERS is potentially manipulated to gain advantage.
RDMcG said:
My favourite also. I have driven it a few times ..it is so damn quick. I recall this old video of F1 vs GT cars at Spa and you realize how staggeringly fast the F1 cars are going.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0
I have run a bunch of GT3RS there over the years, and most unlikely of all..my Panamera in 2019...
I cannot see anyone beating Hamilton here, but the mid race is interesting this year.
Off F1 topic, but I'm pretty sure that's my old racecar in the background of your pic. Javelin trackdays double header https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cNqaPSHv0
I have run a bunch of GT3RS there over the years, and most unlikely of all..my Panamera in 2019
...I cannot see anyone beating Hamilton here, but the mid race is interesting this year.
the Porsches didn't like being overtaken by a shonky jap car (with 500bhp and slicks lol)TheDeuce said:
The RB is always going to be a very edgy car, it's designed that way. Technically capable of brilliance so long as it's brilliantly driven - they will no doubt continue to reign it in
Drivel. It's not designed to be hard to drive at all. And if it was, why would they "reign" it in, if it's behaving how it was designed?ash73 said:
TheDeuce said:
Absolutely - but with or without ERS trickery we should still expect to see some changes as a result of the single mode. So seeing changes won't in itself be evidence of 'cheating'. That was my point.
People getting their excuses ready?At Monza they will try to blame it on their low downforce package not working.
I do think it it's preferable to have two "power" circuits back to back, one with and one without the change, so we can get a better comparison than we would between Barcelona and Spa (especially as Barcelona is so had to overtake you don't necessarily see true race pace other than from the lead car - which in this case was taking it easy to tyre manage)
TheDeuce said:
I think regards RB catching up with the Mercs... The RB is always going to be a very edgy car, it's designed that way. Technically capable of brilliance so long as it's brilliantly driven - they will no doubt continue to reign it in via updates and experience of what setup works best, and the drivers will continue to adapt to it too... But realistically we could already be half way through the season so I can't see it catching up with the Merc car that was solidly ahead fresh out of the box.
Interesting that we're potentially half way through the season - it's gone past so quickly! Also interesting that after decades of FOM wanting a more tightly packed calendar and the teams pushing back saying it puts too much pressure on them, that this year it's being proven that they can in fact do triple headers and only a single weekend off in between. Not only are they making it work, but under unusual circumstances with reduced numbers of people and during a season in which several teams are also battling off-track in various ways AND the FIA fiddling with the rules mid-season now too.
I think it's comparable to businesses that are reducing their physical office premises as it's now proven that people can work effectively from home. In F1, it's proving teams can do more with less so I wonder how much Liberty will want to swell and tightly pack future season calendars off the back of that... And they have a few new circuits they're using this year, any of those prove popular they'll want to shoe-horn those in in future seasons too perhaps. 26 races a year?
However, all the races have been in Europe which makes a lot of difference in travel and logistics. Think even just shipping parts ahead to the next race becomes a much shorter lead time. Interesting that we're potentially half way through the season - it's gone past so quickly! Also interesting that after decades of FOM wanting a more tightly packed calendar and the teams pushing back saying it puts too much pressure on them, that this year it's being proven that they can in fact do triple headers and only a single weekend off in between. Not only are they making it work, but under unusual circumstances with reduced numbers of people and during a season in which several teams are also battling off-track in various ways AND the FIA fiddling with the rules mid-season now too.
I think it's comparable to businesses that are reducing their physical office premises as it's now proven that people can work effectively from home. In F1, it's proving teams can do more with less so I wonder how much Liberty will want to swell and tightly pack future season calendars off the back of that... And they have a few new circuits they're using this year, any of those prove popular they'll want to shoe-horn those in in future seasons too perhaps. 26 races a year?
I'm loving the classic circuits and if they can keep less fly aways and a tighter schedule that'd be great.
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