F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Raikkonen fastest before Spa qualifying shootout

Kimi Raikkonen put Ferrari back on top in Saturday's final free practice session, achieving a new lap record before this afternoon's qualifying session.

The Finn edged out team mate Sebastian Vettel by 0.197s, with Mercedes Lewis Hamilton just 0.001s behind his championship rival.

It was a close battle at the front in the first half hour of the session, with the top three drivers separated by just 0.058s.

Red Bull's pair of Max Verstappen and Daniel Riccairdo briefly found themselves at the helm after a run on the ultrasoft tyres. They ultimately ended the morning respectively P4 and P5, sandwiching Valtteri Bottas in fifth place.

Renault's Jolyon Palmer put in a great effort to finish the session seventh, in front of Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso. 

Dany Kvyat was forced to park his Toro Rosso early on when his engine suddenly lost power, while Marcus Ericsson covered just six laps to end up last and over 4 seconds adrift from Kimi Raikkonen.

Belgian Grand Prix - Free Practice 3 results

Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps
1 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 1:43.916s 17
2 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:44.113s + 0.197s 15
3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:44.114s + 0.198s 11
4 Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:45.034s + 1.118s 13
5 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:45.230s + 1.314s 18
6 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull 1:45.286s + 1.370s 18
7 Jolyon Palmer Renault 1:45.491s + 1.575s 11
8 Sergio Pérez Force India 1:45.857s + 1.941s 14
9 Carlos Sainz Toro Rosso 1:45.942s + 2.026s 18
10 Fernando Alonso McLaren 1:46.060s + 2.144s 12
11 Nico Hülkenberg Renault 1:46.064s + 2.148s 11
12 Esteban Ocon Force India 1:46.179s + 2.263s 14
13 Romain Grosjean Haas 1:46.196s + 2.280s 14
14 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren 1:46.300s + 2.384s 14
15 Lance Stroll Williams 1:46.620s + 2.704s 18
16 Felipe Massa Williams 1:46.667s + 2.751s 22
17 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:46.690s + 2.774s 13
18 Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1:47.903s + 3.987s 7
19 Pascal Wehrlein Sauber 1:48.296s + 4.380s 17
20 Marcus Ericsson Sauber 1:48.300s + 4.384s 6

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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