2014 Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

[E90SLAM]

Finally the four weeks summer break is over. We are back in business.
The DRS on Kemmel Straight seems way too long. I'm afraid we'll see cars flying past instead of just getting them to fight for the corner.

Race Date: 24 Aug 2014
Circuit Name: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
First Grand Prix: 1950
Number of Laps: 44
Circuit Length: 7.004 km
Race Distance: 308.052 km
Lap Record: 1:47.263 - S Vettel (2009)

Tire Compounds Provided:
Prime: Medium (White)
Option: Soft (Yellow)
Rain: Cinturato Intermediate (Green) / Cinturato Wet (Blue)

F1 TIMETABLE (Belgium Local Time)
Fri 22 August 2014
Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
Sat 23 August 2014
Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying 14:00
Sun 24 August 2014
Race 14:00

F1 TIMETABLE (Pacific Time)
Fri 22 August 2014
Practice 1 01:00 - 02:30
Practice 2 05:00 - 06:30
Sat 23 August 2014
Practice 3 02:00 - 03:00
Qualifying 05:00
Sun 24 August 2014
Race 05:00

F1 TIMETABLE (Eastern Time)
Fri 22 August 2014
Practice 1 04:00 - 05:30
Practice 2 08:00 - 09:30
Sat 23 August 2014
Practice 3 05:00 - 06:00
Qualifying 08:00
Sun 24 August 2014
Race 08:00

[///M Power-Belgium]

Welcome to Belgium !

[E90SLAM]

http://en.espnf1.com/belgium/motorsp...ry/171273.html

Adrian Sutil says he is not convinced drivers will be able to take Spa's iconic Eau Rouge corner at full throttle at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix due to the characteristics of the new generation of F1 cars.

The V6 turbo era has introduced cars with higher top speeds at the cost of reduced downforce, which results in slower cornering speeds and has led to slower lap times this season. The sweeping, high-speed Eau Rouge corner has always been one of F1's most famous but Sutil thinks this year it could be a bigger challenge than ever.

"Eau Rouge is one of my favourite corners and this year it will be difficult to go flat out due to less downforce," Sutil said. "With the new cars we will have more top speed and less grip, so it will be interesting to see how it will be to drive under these conditions.

"Regarding the set-up [at Spa], there are two variations: Either you are fast in sector two and relatively slow on the straights or vice versa. Both set-ups can result in the same lap time."

However, Sauber reserve driver Giedo van der Garde disagrees with his colleague about how drivers can approach the corner this year.

"I believe we will have more top speed on the straights but less downforce in comparison to 2013. [But] I think Eau Rouge and Blanchimont will still be flat out."


Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/belgium/motorsp...FOElkJuoyHZ.99

[Mtxzptlk]

Great to have the season resume...

Hoping to have more of this going on.

[ashtaron14]

SPA!!!

On a side note, this year I find myself not enjoying the qualifying as much as previous years, but I haven't figure out why. Maybe it's the difference in the section times?

[M3_WC]

My favorite track in the world, can't wait!

[Sol_BMW]

I'm looking forward to this race.

[Arash007ir]

It's been one month too long, simply cannot wait.

[ashtaron14]

Oh Glorious SPA!

[Poleposition]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

My favorite track in the world, can't wait!

+1

[E90SLAM]

Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andre Lotterer, 32, will replace Kamui Kobayashi at Caterham for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The announcement was made on Wednesday following confirmation of Lotterer's FIA Superlicence, with the initial deal covering one race. Despite the deal Kobayashi remains part of the team.

Caterham is currently undergoing a restructure by new ownership, who had made it clear there was a possibility of a change in driver line-up in the coming weeks. Lotterer will join the team as it introduces a major upgrade package this weekend, part of a bid to secure 10th place in the constructors' championship.

Lotterer, who had numerous F1 test outings for Jaguar between 2000 and 2002, said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take part in a Formula One race weekend - I want to thank Caterham F1 Team for this chance. I'm ready for this challenge and I cannot wait to jump in the car and make the most out of the weekend ahead.

"I will need to get settled and used to the car quickly, as the team has worked on a number of updates and we will need to have as much time as possible out on track to optimise the car's performance. I really enjoy racing at the legendary circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, it's one of my favourite tracks and it's very close to where I grew up, so this makes the weekend even more special and one to remember."

Lotterer has links with Caterham adviser Colin Kolles having driven for his Audi LMP1 entry at Le Mans in 2009, and this season had been driving for Audi alongside Super Formula commitments in Japan. A press release announcing the news stated: "The team will benefit from having another experienced driver at the wheel of the car throughout the weekend and the German's feedback will contribute to improve the performance of the car. The weather also plays a big role at Spa-Francorchamps and Lotterer is one of the most experienced drivers racing under mixed conditions."

At 32 years, 288 days Lotterer will become the oldest F1 debutant since 37-year-old Giovanni Lavaggi at the 1995 German Grand Prix.

Who is Andre Lotterer?

German driver Lotterer has a stellar record in both sports cars and open-wheel racing. As well as Le Mans 24 Hour titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014, he won Formula Nippon in 2011 and the World Endurance Championship in 2012.


Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/caterham/motors...u7kK2pBh9fy.99

[Arash007ir]

F1 mythic corners onboard | F1 1991-2013 - Eau Rouge

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Arash007ir

F1 mythic corners onboard | F1 1991-2013 - Eau Rouge

This video is realy amazing !
THX for sharing

[Arash007ir]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

This video is realy amazing !
THX for sharing

Brilliant corner complex.

[NickyC]

Good another classic track, and not some boring ashtray track in the middle of the desert somewhere. The scenery helps to make the boring racing and lousy engine notes almost watchable.

[Red Bread]

Thank god for Spa!

Kobi is out and I still can't buy an Alfa in the US? Who saw that coming?

[BenTrovato]

Wicked video. Hakkinen's McLaren was geared most perfectly of them all I would say.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Arash007ir

Brilliant corner complex.

Indeed !
Even Schumacher said ....Francorchamps is the most beautiful circuit of the world !
When I jump in my car after 90 minutes i'm on Eau Rouge , in person it's realy amazing !

[954Stealth]

[E90SLAM]

Another change in driver line-up.

http://en.espnf1.com/marussia/motors...tml?CMP=chrome

Marussia has confirmed Alexander Rossi will race for the team at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend in place of Max Chilton "while contractual issues are resolved".

The surprise announcement was made on Thursday afternoon, meaning Rossi, who only joined the team as a reserve driver in July, will make his F1 debut at Spa-Francorchamps. It will also be the first time he has competed for Marussia since his move from Caterham, where he took part in numerous Friday practice sessions.

"It goes without saying that I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to race in Formula 1 for the first time and I cannot thank the Marussia F1 team enough for the faith they are demonstrating in me," Rossi said. "It's a very big moment for me and there's a lot to prepare in a short space of time, but on the other hand I have felt ready for this for quite a while now.

"It is also exciting to be given this opportunity at such a fantastic and historical circuit as Spa-Francorchamps. I can't wait to drive the MR03 from tomorrow and I hope to reward the team with a solid race weekend."

Marussia confirmed the news in a press release, which did not go into further details about the contractual issues with Chilton. Team principal John Booth admits the situation is far from ideal but is excited to see what he can do in Spa.

"Although it was not our intention to offer Alexander the possibility to race this season, in light of the circumstances we are pleased to be providing him with the opportunity to make his Grand Prix debut at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Franchorchamps," Booth said. "Naturally we hope to resume normal service with respect to our established race driver line-up as soon as possible, but for now we wish Alexander well for the weekend ahead and we look forward to seeing him in action."


Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/marussia/motors...K4AZVXja92e.99

[954Stealth]

[954Stealth]

The Marussia page:

http://www.marussiaf1team.com/news/1017/



An American... who would've thunk it lol





HERE'S THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THURSDAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE:
http://www.fia.com/2014-belgian-gran...ess-conference