Formula One: Preview- The 2010 Belgium Grand Prix
While Practice sessions 1, 2 and 3 provide interesting readings in the result column, it is still a tricky business predicting the outcome of the Belgium Grand Prix.
Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso raced ahead of the pack in the first two practice sessions. The Spanish driver’s determination has been hard to ignore, as he did the most number of laps these practice sessions. The Ferrari has historically worked well at Spa-Francorchamps and the last race was won by Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen. The Spanish was unable to capitalize of the dry conditions in P3, half a second behind the leader.
The Red Bull Racing team struggled in the first two practice sessions but was able to capitalize, when the track was dry in the third session with Mark Webber taking the lead at 1:46.106. Was it a strategic bluff earlier to appear relatively weak or is the RBR-Renault actually a poor car in wet conditions. Either way, weather conditions come qualifying or the race; everybody on the grid will be affected. There is a lower probability of rain on Race-day according to weather forecasts.
Adrian Sutil has done relatively well, grabbing the second spot in rainy conditions during P2 and finishing in the potentially point scoring region of 8th in P3. The Mercedes engine is apparently working well which would be a positive omen for Mercedes GP and the McLaren Mercedes Team. It would however be asking too much of the Force India driver to be able to trouble the Elite players at qualifying or the race. A possible point scoring tenth for the German seems an encouraging result at the end of the weekend.
Mercedes GP would be looking to come up with a consistent performance on a demanding Spa track. Whether they are able to impress in any conditions is another story, as both drivers finished outside point scoring contention in wet and dry conditions. However, their true potential could only be predicted at full fledged qualifying. Either driver would be lucky to finish anywhere near 6th or 7th.
McLaren Mercedes can well in truly be the winning constructors at the end of the 44-lap race. Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium in all three practice sessions. The best thing about their run has been their conservative approach. Running fewer laps than the hardworking Ferraris would give them a comparatively fresh engine and flexible tyre options.
“Because the rules don't allow us to use too many wet-weather tyres - we only have three Extremes and four Intermediates - we really need to look after them, so we were very cautious, just in case we need to use them later on in the weekend.” , said a sensible Hamilton.
Mark Webber presently holds a 4-point slender lead over Lewis Hamilton, while Fernando Alonso is also in the hunt with 7 races to go this season. Despite being a lot more experienced in the age department, Webber isn’t quite accustomed to silverware as either of his close rivals. Fernando Alonso became the youngest Formula One champion in history after winning the 2005-2006 with Renault. Hamilton later broke the age-barrier in 2008, with McLaren Mercedes. It is plain to see that both competitors know what it is like successfully ‘finishing’ a season as champion and despite the aggregate pole finishes of both drivers equalling Webber’s 4 standalone wins, they have remained in the hunt at least. This is what Webber needs to learn. Winning a championship isn’t about putting together a pole performance every day. Moreover, it is more down to taking the initiative when conditions permit and getting the best out of the machine on an off day. To conclude, the old Formula One proverb still holds true, ‘In order to finish first, you first have to finish’
It's a beautiful track here, it's special - today we got to sample it in all conditions." – Mark Webber.
Prediction:
Pole: Lewis Hamilton
Second: Fernando Alonso
Third: Sebastian Vettel
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