Belgian Grand Prix 2016: Where to watch practice live, preview and track facts

The F1 juggernaut arrives at the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit for the start of the second half of the 2016 F1 World Championship following a month-long summer break.

Mercedes will be keen to continue their dominance at the head of the field as Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton resume their title battle. After starting the season well off the pace, the British triple-world champion caught up with his teammate and now enjoys a 19-point lead.

Red Bull are the most improved team this season and have come close a number of times as they look to throw a spanner in the title race. Max Verstappen has won a race after being promoted to the senior team, while the Austrian-owned team have consistently outperformed Ferrari, who were initially thought to be the Brackley-based team's main challengers.

The Maranello team have had a first-half to forget as they failed to win even a single race and from being the best of the rest they have now fallen behind Red Bull, who have stepped up with a host of upgrades on the engine and aerodynamic front.

The Mercedes will be favourites going into the weekend in Belgium, but the unpredictable weather and the aerodynamic proficiency of the Red Bull could make it an interesting race.

Where to watch live

The first practice session of the Belgian Grand Prix starts at 9am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website.

Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 1pm BST.

Track Facts

• Circuit name: Spa Francorchamps, Belgium
• First F1 Race: 1950
• Circuit length: 7.004km
• Number of laps: 44
• Race distance: 308.052km
• Lap record: 1.47'263 (S Vettel – 2009)
• Most wins: M Schumacher (6)
• 2015 winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
• 2015 pole: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drivers' Championship standings