Red Bull
Red Bull Racing Reuters

The F1 summer break is over and the action returns to the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. It is one of the oldest circuits in the F1 calendar and is a track revered by every driver.

Daniel Ricciardo arrives in a buoyant mood following his victory in the previous race in Hungary, and he is also the only driver apart from the Mercedes pair to win a race this season.

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.

Live coverage of both the practice sessions is also available on BBC TWO.

Track Facts

  • Circuit Name: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
  • First F1 Race: 1950
  • Circuit Length: 7.004 km
  • Number of Laps: 44
  • Race Distance: 308.052 km
  • Fastest Lap: 1:47.263 Sebastian Vettel (2009)
  • Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (6)
  • 2013 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
  • 2013 Pole: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drivers' Championship Review

Despite finishing behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Hungary, Nico Rosberg comes into the race with an 11 point lead in the championship. Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo is 71 points behind the leader, but is keeping both the Mercedes drivers honest with his performances this season. He could play a key role in the title race, even though his chances are remote.

Meanwhile, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is in fourth place, in spite of having an underperforming car, but has to keep an eye on Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel as they are close by in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

Lewis Hamilton

Constructors' Championship Review

Mercedes are way ahead in the constructors' championship, with second placed Red Bull a massive 174 points behind. And with the consistent performances from the German team, it is difficult to see any team matching them this season.

Meanwhile, Ferrari have taken back third place from Williams after their good performance in Hungary, but are just seven points clear of the Mercedes powered team.