It’s good to see that Spa is back on the formula one calendar after a noticeable absense last year because of a row over tobacco sponsorship, but that has all been sorted out for this time around, and we should be in for a treat!
The nature of the Spa circuit and it’s location means that the weather is always unpredictable, which inturn means the race is often exciting and enjoyable — just what F1 is in need of. After all this is the circuit that in 1998, due to an out of control McLaren in the hands of David Coulthard saw the obliteration of 14 out of the 20 cars at the start!
Sadly there has been changes to the Bus Stop chicane, whether this will increase overtaking remains to be seen in the race.
The weather was it’s usual unpredicatable nature during qualifying, with rain falling at periods throughout the session — the first time this one lap qualifying has endured this type of scenario. The bridgestone tyre once again seems to have the edge in the wetter environment, with Schumacher missing out on pole by 1 thousandth of a second. This being set on a steadily dampening track, compared with the pole time set by Trulli on his michellin intermediates on a drying track, showing once again the German is the rain master.
With the steadily worsening conditions, and rain falling harder as the session drew to a close, the Ferrari’s showed that they were in a league of their own with a car/tyre and driver combination that was working well on the damp circuit.
What the conditions will be like for the race later on tomorrow — who knows. Forcasts predict the race will be dry — but this is Spa and it never does as it’s told. Either way, baring any mishaps, we should be seeing Schumi taking his 7th driver’s championship at a circuit he more than loves and enjoys. The race should be certainly entertaining!
