A race to test driver skill and total car performance

Spa-Francorchamps will set the stage for the 2009 Belgian GP, the 12th race of the year. The circuit is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ardennes region, sweeping 7.004 km through the countryside—the longest of all F1 circuits. This course boasts numerous historical battles, and the weather can change on the slightest whim. Rain during the last stint of the 2008 race led to utter disarray, and a dramatic finish. The straight after the famous Eau Rouge corner, together with the following Les Combes turn, presents a section for cars to battle for position on braking. The final corner of the track turned out to be another dramatic section of the circuit in last year's race. While further engine development has been frozen according to F1 regulations, overall car performance and driver skill will be tested here more than ever.