Mercedes still pushing hard - Lowe

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Championship leader Mercedes heads to Spa out of reach of its rivals but with both its drivers set to resume their epic battle for the title.

A prominent member of the Formula 1 community since 1987, Mercedes technical director Paddy Lowe is always happy to return to Spa despite the fact that the German manufacturer has only won once - in 2015 -on the daunting Ardennes track.

"Spa is one of the truly great Formula One venues, with long straights, a range of high-speed corners and significant elevation change creating spectacular racing and making it tough to find the best setup," Lowe enthused.

"You need a car which is quick through the corners for good lap time - but the long Kemmel straight leaves drivers prone to overtaking if they're carrying too much drag.

"The speed they can carry through Eau Rouge is also crucial, with significant compression through this corner a notable setup consideration.

"Today, with the Hybrid systems, energy management also comes into play. Drivers must manage the lap wisely to protect against attack from behind and give themselves the best chance of making a pass themselves.

As a true 'racer' and aficionado of Spa-Francorchamps, Lowe wishes more tracks shared the Belgian venue's authenticity and qualities.

"There is so much variety and opportunity in the circuit. It's a great formula and one which new venues should look to emulate.

"What's more, thousands of enthusiastic fans from across Europe flock to this race and camp around the circuit. I have huge respect for them, as it can get very cold and wet out there. This is definitely a race which sorts the true fans from the glamour seekers!

"It's important to get a good result here, as it's a good test of all-round performance and sets you up for the rest of the season, so we'll be pushing hard."

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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.