2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

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Who will win the Belgian Grand Prix?

Sebastian Vettel
4
20%
Kimi Raikkonen
7
35%
Fernando Alonso
0
No votes
Lewis Hamilton
6
30%
Mark Webber
0
No votes
Nico Rosberg
2
10%
Felipe Massa
0
No votes
Romain Grosjean
0
No votes
Jenson Button
0
No votes
Paul di Resta
0
No votes
Other
1
5%
 
Total votes: 20

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phil1993
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2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 14 Aug 2013, 10:44

Shell Belgian Grand Prix
Round 11 of the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship

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DRS is likely to be on the pit straight and on the Kemmel straight.

Timetable (GMT+2)
Fri 23 August 2013
Practice 1 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2 14:00 - 15:30
Sat 24 August 2013
Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying 14:00
Sun 25 August 2013
Race 14:00
Aside from being the home to one of the greatest circuits on the Formula One calendar, Spa is recognised throughout the world for its water. The Romans were the first people to discover its natural springs deep in the Ardennes countryside, and people still visit the town today in search of hydrotherapy. The biggest industry in the town is the famous bottled water company, Spa.

The mention of water is never far from people’s lips at the circuit, which is eight kilometres from the town. One of the most fearsome corners on the lap is Pouhon, which translates into English as ‘water well’ and the Ardennes has a micro-climate all of its own, hence rain tyres are never far from the cars.

“The great thing about Spa-Francorchamps is that it hasn’t changed over the years,” says three-time world champion Niki Lauda. “The track is an old-style circuit and is still a great challenge to the drivers, and the surrounding area hasn’t been built all over and is still very beautiful. I enjoy coming here.”

The bright lights of Liege and Brussels are a 40-minute and two-hour drive respectively, so there is something for everyone at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Championship
01 Sebastian Vettel 172
02 Kimi Räikkönen 134
03 Fernando Alonso 133
04 Lewis Hamilton 124
05 Mark Webber 105
06 Nico Rosberg 84
07 Felipe Massa 61
08 Romain Grosjean 49

Constructors' Championship
01 Red Bull Racing-Renault 277
02 Mercedes 208
03 Ferrari 194
04 Lotus-Renault 183

Image

Kimi Raikkonen is seen as the King of Spa, having claimed four victories at the circuit. After a sabbatical in 2006, the circuit under went minor changes and reappeared in 2007. Raikkonen won that race and was set for another win in 2008 until a late rain shower saw him embark on a duel with Lewis Hamilton. The Brit won their tussle as Raikkonen crashed out, but Hamilton was later stripped of the win after cutting the circuit. Felipe Massa eventually picked up the trophy. In 2009 Force India stunned the paddock as Giancarlo Fisichella took pole before hounding Raikkonen throughout the race, finishing a second behind. Hamilton finally claimed his Belgian win in 2010 in a race affected by showers; title contenders Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button colliding in damp conditions and Fernando Alonso crashing out. Red Bull dominated in a 2011 race ruled by tyre pressures while last season, Button reigned supreme in a race remembered for a huge start crash.

- There's the possibility that driver announcements will be made over the weekend.

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iceT
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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by iceT » 14 Aug 2013, 12:29

It'll be my first ever trip to the Belgium GP. Anyone has any suggestions of best vantage points for a Bronze ticket ?
Hope travel time from Brussels won't be too troublesome.
It took me over 1 1/2hr travel time each way for Sepang, so hopefully Spa won't be too difficult.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 14 Aug 2013, 15:21

Hi, Spa's not the best for viewing obviously because of the trees. If you go on Friday, it might be best just to walk around and get a feel of the circuit; the best places will be taken extremely early on Sunday morning. Brussels to Spa is about 90 minutes on a good day, but it'll be longer on Sunday morning.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by donald29 » 14 Aug 2013, 18:12

I went with a bronze ticket in 2011. Do what Phil said, walk around and take in the whole circuit on Friday during practice and choose your favourite spot(s) for qualifying and the race. I watched qualifying at Pouhon (mainly for the big screen so I knew what was going on) and the race along the Kemmel straight just before Les Combes.

The top of Eau Rouge would be a great place to watch the race if you can get there early enough. I watched some of the GP2 race there.

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Make sure to get onto the circuit after the race when they open the gates and properly take in Eau Rouge. Pick up some tyre marbles, they're a nice (free) souvenir :p. Can't believe it was 2 years ago.

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It's not a good place to watch, but if you walk right up to the barrier as the track goes up hill at Eau Rouge you can get pretty close to the cars as they blast past. Just stand there for a few minutes and take in the sound and vibrations. Brilliant.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 14 Aug 2013, 19:34

Yeah, you can get really close to the cars along the Kemmel Straight. I've never been to Sepang, but I would guess you will see more there than at Spa, but at Spa you get closer!

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by donald29 » 14 Aug 2013, 19:43

I've never been either, but I think I remember reading there are certain vantage points at Sepang where you can see a massive part of the circuit. Being so long, with all the elevation changes and trees you don't get that with Spa. You can see down to the grid from the Kemmel straight though, although the cars are pretty small in the distance. :p

It's the one downside really. Hungary or Monaco you see the cars come past 70 times. Spa only 44. But then the track is awesome, so you can accept that. Seriously, you think you know how great the place is from seeing it on TV but it just doesn't compare to actually seeing it for yourself there. Eau Rouge is so damn steep, TV doesn't do it justice.

Oh and where the cars bottom out at Eau Rouge, the tarmac is perfectly smooth where they've rubbed it away. So cool.

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The other thing I loved was the range of fans and nationalities. Silverstone was obviously predominantly Brits supporting Hamilton and Button. It creates an amazing atmosphere if they're winning (2008) but that's not great if you support lets say Massa...

You get a lot of Brits at Spa, but also people from all over Europe as well. I watched the 2011 race with some German Schumacher fans and a couple of Hamilton fans (who became Button fans when he crashed out in front of us :p).

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 14 Aug 2013, 19:50

Yeah, I remember in 2009 there was a massive group of Dutch fans (with a mountain of empty beer cans) and some Brazilians who cheered for Rubens every lap! I guess it's because it's the second nearest race for Brits plus it's so close to the borders with Netherlands, Germany and France.

I'll be heading over on Wednesday! :D

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by iceT » 15 Aug 2013, 14:43

Thanks folks, for all your feedback, advices and photos. So, early is the key.... Definitely want to be near a screen and whole reason for going is to experience the actual gradient of Eau Rouge. Admittedly, I plan on buying the tickets at the track (!) on Thursday, which hopefully won't be a problem. It'll be a disaster if it is, given how far I would've travelled to get there! :confused:

Sepang is definitely great viewing because you get to see nearly half the track wherever you are, and the Covered Hill stand tickets are cheap comparatively. Moreover, Friday is free for all and you get to sit at the Premium stands for nothing. Only problem is they don't allow food or drinks! Combined with the heat and humidity the cheap tickets are easily offset by inflated food & beverage prices.

@ Phil, Are you there for "work" ? Lucky Phil... :O

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 15 Aug 2013, 14:55

As far as I recall, there's no issue with food or drink at Spa. I remember taking stuff in.

The main advantage with Spa is it never feels that crowded because it's so big. But it'll probably feel more crowded to you than Sepang!

Yes, I am! :)

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by Joey Zyla » 15 Aug 2013, 17:28

I think this will be one of the closest races of the season. Vettel, Webber, Alonso, Raikkonen, and Hamilton all have good chances of winning.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 15 Aug 2013, 17:36

It should be. Even McLaren might be in the mix due to the nature of the circuit.

Not sure about Alonso - Spa's his bogey circuit!

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by Joey Zyla » 15 Aug 2013, 17:51

phil1993 wrote:It should be. Even McLaren might be in the mix due to the nature of the circuit.

Not sure about Alonso - Spa's his bogey circuit!
I hope so.

I agree about Alonso, but he knows he needs to take this opportunity to close the gap before the "Vettel races" (Singapore, Suzuka, Yeongam, and Buddh) come.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by mikhailv » 16 Aug 2013, 06:15

Alonso just cant do Spa. 2005 he was good. 2008 he was unlucky not to get a podium, 2009 he was flying before the wheel again. 2010 he shouldve crashed out on lap 1. Otherwise its just a bogey.

lewis to win.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by donald29 » 16 Aug 2013, 10:56

2010 was incredible. How his car survived that hit from Barrichello I do not know. Front right of Rubens' car ripped off, Alonso able to carry on.

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Re: 2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

Post by phil1993 » 16 Aug 2013, 11:01

The Ferrari is fairly strong, and reliable. He also took a fairly heavy hit at the start in 2011.

Button says McLaren won't win
http://www.f1zone.net/news/button-doubt ... ial/20034/

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