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THIS weekend sees the 2017 F1 title battle return after the summer break to Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit. This circuit is among the most historic on the F1 calendar, having hosted a Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, and remains one of the most popular venues with drivers and fans alike. This track has hosted some of the most epic battles over the years. One example that springs to mind is Mika Hakkinen’s move on Michael Schumacher in 2000. (YouTube: M. Hakkinen vs M. Schumacher - Spa 2000). The clip speaks for itself.

This year's championship leader, Sebastian Vettel extended his lead over Lewis Hamilton going into the break, however Ferrari have traditionally been weaker in the second half of the season in favour of next year’s car but for the first time in 10 years Ferrari has a real chance for championship glory. They can’t afford to back off now. Power tracks dominate the remainder of the season which should hand the advantage to Mercedes but in Austria Ferrari were catching Mercedes in the later part of the race and in Hungry Mercedes couldn’t catch Ferrari even with tyre issues. The power deficit may not play a bigger part than expected for the remainder of the season.

Mind games, as we have seen over the last number of years, are out of the mix as the two protagonists are on opposing teams. This will be a straight fight for glory, reminiscent of the Hakkinen verses Schumacher days – if it is anything like the clip referred to above, we will be well entertained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1WuWu8kGak