2012 Belgian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Alonso leads the championship on 164 points after Hungary. Webber is second on 124, Vettel third on 122, Hamilton fourth on 117, and Räikkönen fifth on 116 — four drivers within 48 points of second place.

Previous race

Hamilton won in Hungary from Räikkönen and Grosjean, with Alonso fourth. The result trimmed Alonso’s lead to 40 points but left Vettel outside the top two for a second consecutive race.

Milestones

This is Michael Schumacher’s 300th Formula One race start.

Tyre choices

Pirelli brings the silver-banded hard compound as the prime and white-banded medium as the option.

Practice

FP1 was wet. Kobayashi ran early and set the fastest time. Massa’s Ferrari failed to set a lap when the car stalled near the pits.

FP2 ran in even heavier rain with standing water. Only a handful of drivers set competitive lap times; Pic (Marussia) was fastest of those who ventured out.

FP3 ran dry. Alonso topped the session.

Weather

Fine and dry conditions are forecast for race day — 23°C air temperature, 33°C track.