Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Red Bull's Thai driver Alex Albon competes during the qualifying session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa on August 29, 2020 ahead of the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix - AFP

Red Bull’s Thai driver Alex Albon competes during the qualifying session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa on August 29, 2020 ahead of the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix – AFP

The wait for Formula One to resume after the summer break is nearly over.

After a captivating first part of the season, Lewis Hamilton leads Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, with Mercedes ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, too.

As is usually the way, the action resumes with the Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in the Ardennes. Round 12 of a provisional 23 kicks off a European triple-header which takes in the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and then the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

When is it?

The first Formula One running since the chequered flag fell at the Hungaroring several weeks ago will take place on Friday August 27 with first and second practice. Third and final practice is on Saturday August 28 with the Belgian Grand Prix itself on Sunday August 29.

What time does it start?

First practice starts at 10.30am BST on Friday with second practice later on at 2pm. Final practice on Saturday is at 11am with qualifying at 2pm. The race is at 2pm on Sunday.

What are the championship standings after 11 rounds?

Drivers’ top 10:

Constructors’:

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team. Their qualifying coverage starts at 1pm BST on Saturday with their Grand Prix coverage starting at 12.30pm on Sunday.

Channel 4 have highlights for this year with their equally excellent team, with their Saturday coverage starting at 6pm and their race coverage at 6.30pm on Sunday.

You can also keep up to date throughout qualifying and the race right here at Telegraph Sport.

What do we know about Spa-Francorchamps?

  • Circuit length: 7.004km

  • First grand prix: 1950

  • Laps: 44

  • Race distance: 308.052km

  • Race lap record: 1.46.286 (Valtteri Bottas, 2018)

  • 2020 winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

  • Number of corners: 19

  • Overtaking chances: Very good overall. Turn one, a tight hairpin, is tricky but possible. The run through Eau Rouge/Raidillon and the long Kemmel straight presents one too. The final bus stop chicane also presents a chance for the brave. A few other places, too.

What are the latest odds?

  • Lewis Hamilton 11/10

  • Max Verstappen 11/10

  • Sergio Perez 11/1

  • Valtteri Bottas 16/1

  • Lando Norris 28/1

  • Charles Leclerc 40/1

Source