2004 Belgian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Schumacher leads Barrichello by 38 points heading into Spa. Ferrari sealed the Constructors’ Championship at the previous race. Only Schumacher and Barrichello remain in mathematical contention for the Drivers’ title.

Previous race

Schumacher led a Ferrari 1-2 at the Hungaroring, his seventh consecutive victory — equalling Alberto Ascari’s record. Ferrari’s result was enough to secure the Constructors’ Championship. Alonso completed the podium; Räikkönen retired for the eighth time this season with mechanical problems; Zonta made a rocky Toyota debut, spinning after contact with Webber on the opening lap.

Between-race developments

Jenson Button signed a two-year contract to return to Williams ten days before the Hungarian Grand Prix. BAR insist they hold a valid option on his 2005 services; Button’s management argue the option is void because of a clause permitting his exit if Honda’s engine supply contract were not definitively confirmed. The dispute remains unresolved.

Spa-Francorchamps returns to the calendar after its absence in 2003, when the circuit underwent modifications to the Bus Stop chicane. A sweeping right-hand bend has been introduced just before it, leaving a large expanse of painted tarmac that has drawn sharp criticism from commentators.

Practice

BAR third driver Anthony Davidson topped the first session in 1:45.104; Räikkönen was fastest in the second. Saturday’s first session was cancelled due to fog; the second was shortened from 45 to 30 minutes as a result. Barrichello was fastest in the shortened session. That session also produced major excursions from Pizzonia and Bruni, the latter red-flagging the session.