Belgian Grand Prix: Changes to the track and overtaking zones

      On the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA announced changes to the track and confirmed the locations of the activation zones for the overtake mode (OT) and SM (Straight Mode) zones. Compared to last year, the following changes have been made at Spa:

      New gates have been installed on the right side at the exit of the pit lane;

      The protective wall has been extended on the right side before the second turn;

      Special grooves have been cut into the asphalt on the Kemmel straight between the fourth and fifth turns to improve water drainage during rain;

      The top layer of asphalt has been partially removed at the 14th turn to eliminate surface irregularities;

      A section of artificial grass has been removed and replaced with asphalt behind the inner curb at the 5th turn;

      The height of the inner curb has been reduced at the 18th turn.

      There is one overtaking mode zone on the Belgian track. The detection point for this zone is located at the entrance to the 19th turn. If a driver is within one second of the opponent's car at the measurement point, they will be able to activate the overtake mode, receiving an additional 0.5 MJ of electrical energy. The activation point for the overtake mode is 130 meters after the 19th turn.

      The SM zones are divided into two subsections – zones where active aerodynamics are used under normal tire grip conditions (both the rear and front wings can be opened) and under reduced grip conditions (on a wet track, only the front wing can be opened).

      Under normal grip conditions, active aerodynamics can be used in sections that begin 190 meters after the 19th turn, 140 meters after the 1st, 60 meters after the 4th, 140 meters after the 15th, and 80 meters after the 17th.

      Under reduced grip conditions, active aerodynamics can be used in sections that begin 240 meters after the 19th turn, 195 meters after the 1st, 360 meters after the 4th, 190 meters after the 15th, and 110 meters after the 17th.