Pirelli: The stage in Belgium will be a test for the teams.

      At the Belgian Grand Prix, Pirelli will bring the medium hardness compounds C2, C3, and C4. In terms of tire loads, Spa is among the most challenging tracks on the calendar, although it falls short compared to Suzuka and Silverstone in this regard.

      The most famous section remains the Eau Rouge – Raidillon combination, where several high-speed corners are on a steep ascent, after which the cars exit onto the Kemmel straight. Recently, special grooves have appeared in the asphalt in this section, which improve water drainage and visibility in rainy conditions.

      A few years ago, the track was completely resurfaced, so at the beginning of the race weekend, the level of grip is usually low. However, after the recent 24 Hours of Spa marathon, several layers of used rubber remain on the asphalt, which should improve grip.

      All three sectors of the track are noticeably different from each other, making the search for optimal settings a traditionally challenging task for engineers.

      The first sector is the fastest and includes a long straight where overtakes most often occur. The second is more technical, with medium-speed corners, many of which are inclined. The third sector features smooth corner combinations and a gradual ascent.

      This year, the new aerodynamic rules should make it easier to find a compromise between downforce and maximum speed. Teams will be able to use a higher level of downforce in the technical sectors while employing a mode with less air resistance on the straights.

      As demonstrated at Silverstone, effective management of the electrical energy reserve of the power unit will also be crucial.

      The track is located in the Ardennes forest, where a unique microclimate has developed. During rain, clouds linger here longer than in neighboring areas, causing the asphalt to dry unevenly. It is not uncommon for one part of the track to remain wet while another is completely dry, making the choice between slicks and intermediates particularly challenging.

      Temperature can also have a significant impact on the weekend's proceedings. During the 24 Hours of Spa marathon, which took place at the end of June, the asphalt temperature exceeded 55°C. In such conditions, thermal degradation of the tires increases, raising the likelihood of a two-stop strategy.

      At the same time, Pirelli expects that in the Sunday race, the two hard compounds from the brought lineup will play a major role.

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