Belgian GP
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
That concludes our coverage of P3! Join us for qualifying at 1pm UK time
5 months ago
The top 10 from P3: 1) WEB 2) HAM 3) ALG 4) BUT 5) VET 6) BUE 7) ROS 8) SUT 9) SEN 10) SCH
5 months ago
That's the end of P3 here in Spa! Lewis is second with 2m09.046s, while Jenson is 4th with 2m10.257s.
5 months ago
Lewis is now the second fastest car on the circuit with a laptime of 2m09.046
5 months ago
WEB has set the fastest lap at 2m08.988s
5 months ago
And the rain continues to pour down...
5 months ago
5 months ago
Lewis records a time of 2m10.545s, pushing him up to 5th
5 months ago
Jenson is just debriefing with his engineers
5 months ago
Jenson is wheeled back into the pits
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Box this lap"
5 months ago
Lewis sets a lap time of 2m12.401s, putting him 8th
5 months ago
Jenson has just recorded a lap time of 2m10.257s putting him in p2
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "The gap behind you is 25 seconds"
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "There is a large gap behind Senna."
5 months ago
Lewis follows Jenson out of the pits
5 months ago
Jenson has just left the pits!
5 months ago
Jenson's tyres have just been wheeled round and are being fitted to the car now
5 months ago
Jenson's fitting inters
5 months ago
Lewis is just getting into his car now
5 months ago
Sutil's just gone fastest now with a 2m13.231s lap - so the conditions are steadily improving.
5 months ago
Here's the top 5 as it stands: 1) BUE 2m13.306s 2) ALG 2m13.357 3) SUT 2m13.785s 4) WEB 2m14.143 5) VET 2m15.082s
5 months ago
Jenson's just got into his car and getting strapped in
5 months ago
The rain's finally stopped now and Jenson's getting ready to venture out again
5 months ago
Conditions are definitely brightening up - and some cars are venturing out - still looks very wet on the track though.
5 months ago
Lots of people asking what we/the drivers do when the conditions are like this: we sit it out, find little jobs to do and study the weather!
5 months ago
Good question! Historical precedent suggests an early quali session on Sunday morning. If that wasn't possible, not sure what else!
5 months ago
So @Stretlow asks: What happens if its too wet to complete qualifying, risk it tomorrow morning or start in championship order perhaps?
5 months ago
Lewis: always working, even when he's not in the cockpit!
5 months ago
Sun appears to be breaking through the clouds - we could be out sooner than we think!
5 months ago
Here's the mechanics cleaning up Jenson's car ready for his next run
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "A lot to risk and little to be gained by going out there"
5 months ago
The weather means there will be no action for the forseeable future for our guys. If you have an questions, send them to us via Twitter
5 months ago
5 months ago
Lewis' mechanics are cleaning Lewis' car up
5 months ago
Lewis is wheeled back into the pits - those conditions are too dangerous for driving
5 months ago
5 months ago
As you can see, it is extremely wet and Jenson has said there is aqua-planing
5 months ago
Jenson blasts out of the pits!
5 months ago
Lots of manic activity in the garage - changing both cars to full wets after a sudden, heavy rain shower. Lewis has just departed.
5 months ago
Hamilton: "We need to change the tyres to full wets"
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Yes, loud and clear"
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Can we get some tyres round?"
5 months ago
Coldest day of the weekend so far today! Jenson and Lewis are both in their cars ready to go
5 months ago
Here's a weather update - it's lightly raining but forecast to get worse.
5 months ago
Welcome to P3 of Spa! Join us for live coverage of the session for the next hour on the Pitwall.
5 months ago
And the top ten were: 1) WEB 2) ALO 3) BUT 4) HAM 5) MAS 6) ROS 7) PER 8) HUL 9) DIR 10) VET
5 months ago
At the end of P2 Jenson was 3rd (1:50.770s) and Lewis came 4th (1:50.838s).
5 months ago
That's it - that's our session complete. Join us again tomorrow for more action from P3 and qualifying! Bye.
5 months ago
We are weighing up the pros and cons of going out....
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Okay, can we have the tyres to the car please?"
5 months ago
#socialfriday @matt_brigden asks: How on earth does the brand centre fit on the back of Lorry? It doesn't, Matt, it fits on about 15...
5 months ago
Weather update from Spa at 1416: RAINING AGAIN!
5 months ago
#socialfriday @littlemrsj asks: Do the drivers stay at hotels in the area? or in the paddock team bases? We usually stay in local hotels.
5 months ago
1) WEB 2) ALO 3) BUT 4) HAM 5) MAS 6) ROS 7) PER 8) HUL 9) DIR 10) VET. JB's time is a 1m50.770s and Lewis's is a 1m50.838s.
5 months ago
This lull in action is the perfect time to bring you up to speed with the top 10...
5 months ago
And here's Lewis in the car - getting ready for another run before the rain.
5 months ago
The mechanics are always at the track 2.5hrs before the first session - we need to warm the engine, pitstop practice and check the car.
5 months ago
#socialfriday @dzakary asks: From "cold" how long does it take to get the car ready to hit the track? It takes a few hours to get it ready!
5 months ago
Here's JB debriefing with his engineers...
5 months ago
Jenson and Lewis are now holding detailed debriefs with their race engineers. Lots of little secrets unearthed!
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "There's half an hour of the session remaining, so there's a chance we could get back out on Inters."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "The balance was quite good."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "That's probably it for our dry-tyre running. The weather does look pretty bad."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "This will be a live pitstop, Jenson."
5 months ago
* waves finger in the air * RAINING!
5 months ago
Pit: "We're boxing both cars this lap guys."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Yes, it's raining heavily in the pitlane now too. Box this lap."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "It's now wet."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Rain at Turn Eight and 14 - where you are now. Could be rain."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Four tenths off the best time. Main time to find is in the middle sector."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Light rain in the pitlane."
5 months ago
We're trying to cram in a lot of running before the heavens potentially open in about 10 minutes...!
5 months ago
Pit: "Guys, be ready for pitstops at any time please."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Gap ahead six seconds, gap behind four seconds."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "It is. We're going to get the car changed around as quick as we can."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "The rain must be very close."
5 months ago
Jenson's out on the track now.
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "I see you've backed off this lap."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "You're second-fastest; you're fastest in the middle sector, and you're the fastest car using the Prime tyre."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "How is my pace on this tyre?"
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We're ready for those tyres now, please James."
5 months ago
And Lewis improves in the dry to a 1m52.800s - fourth overall. Fastest time is ROS 1m51.967s.
5 months ago
#socialfriday @LindaSpencer1 asks: Aside from Silverstone which track is Lewis and Jenson's favourite to drive? Spa, Monaco & Suzuka!
5 months ago
That's a 1m56.053s lap for Lewis - third fastest.
5 months ago
Lots of DRS action from Lewis on this lap!
5 months ago
So the track's now significantly drier - Lewis is on slicks now - but there's more rain on the horizon.
5 months ago
Lewis has left the pits.
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Forecast is for more rain at 1500, so we're going to get out as soon as possible."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "The forecast is for 20 minutes of dry running, so we're going to get out there as soon as possible."
5 months ago
For all those wondering what Lewis is up to, we're warming his car up now and he'll be out shortly.
5 months ago
#socialfriday @nogis: Not really. It compacts the programme, but the engineers are so capable that we can accommodate for it.
5 months ago
#socialfriday @nogis asks: Does the heavy rain in P1n put extra pressure on the team for the remaining practice sessions?
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "You are clear behind - and box this lap."
5 months ago
Pit: "Okay guys, Jenson is box this lap - he'll be stopping and going into the garage."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "We'll go out and have a look before waiting for it to be dry enough for dry tyres."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "It looks like it's going to be dry soon."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Trulli is two seconds behind. Watch out for Trulli and box this lap."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "You are the quickest car out there, Jenson: 2m02.206s. Fernando is second on 2m03.953s."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "Let's get out there."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "There is more rain forecast before the end of the session."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "This pace is very good - there's a large gap behind if you need to drop back."
5 months ago
#socialfriday @weealisdair asks: Any advice to get into being an F1 Mechanic? Start in the lower formulae, work hard and stay focused.
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Let's make a gap: you have Petrov four seconds behind on a timed lap and there's a 12-second gap behind him."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Drive straight out please, Jenson."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We're nearly ready to go again - clearly, it's still Inter tyre conditions."
5 months ago
There are patches of a dry line beginning to appear around the lap.
5 months ago
#socialfriday @f1fanatic96 asks: Do all of the teams and drivers eat together at any point? We're very well looked after by @absolutetaste!
5 months ago
Pit: "Are we good for warm-up?"
5 months ago
#socialfriday @LaurenRF1 asks: Which is Lewis or Jenson favourite F1 car in history? Easy, 1988's MP4/4 - a total classic!
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Just stop normally and we'll wheel you back."
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Box this lap, Jenson."
5 months ago
Pit: "Okay guys, Jenson is box this lap."
5 months ago
Track's still wet all the way round and there's a lot of moisture in the air. It will be interesting to see how quickly a dry line appears.
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Drive straight out please, Jenson."
5 months ago
And out goes Jenson.
5 months ago
The session's been live for a couple of minutes. Both our drivers are still getting ready for their first run of the afternoon.
5 months ago
Don't forget, it's still our regular #socialfriday time - so send us thoughts, questions and messages via @thefifthdriver
5 months ago
Welcome back for LIVE coverage of P2 of the Belgian Grand Prix. It's currently not raining, but the track's damp...
5 months ago
That concludes our live coverage of P1 of the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix. Remember to join us again for P2 this afternoon!
5 months ago
Jenson finished third overall on a 2m02.740s and Lewis was fifth with a 2m04.301s.
5 months ago
So, a patchy session due to the rainshower. Top 10 is 1 SCH 2 ROS 3 BUT 4 VET 5 HAM 6 SUT 7 MAS 8 BAR 9 ALG 10 KOB. Jenson set best wet time
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "That's the chequered flag. Come round and get ready for a grid launch."
5 months ago
Lewis has just posted a 2m04.301s lap - third fastest. That's proof that the track is drying - and that Lewis is ON IT!
5 months ago
And out goes Jenson.
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Some information for you: there's probably going to be time for two timed laps."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "All cars with you are on outlaps - there's a 10-second gap behind you."
5 months ago
Lewis's crew are on it - he's already out of the garage. Let's see what he can do.
5 months ago
And the session's just restarted now - so there's seven minutes of running remaining.
5 months ago
Jenson and his race engineer Dave Robson are talking over the radio about the car set-up.
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check, Jenson?"
5 months ago
Jenson's now debriefing with his engineers after that run.
5 months ago
Red flag - most probably to remove Paul di Resta's beached car from the tyre barrier.
5 months ago
So Jenson's time of 2m09.682s is third overall - fastest of the times set in these current damp conditions.
5 months ago
Jenson's just started a flying lap:
5 months ago
Let's follow JB's progress with some live data:
5 months ago
Lewis is getting suited up.
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Are we good for a warm-up, Brodie?"
5 months ago
... and out he goes. On the Inter.
5 months ago
Jenson's firing up.
5 months ago
Perfect conditions for the mighty @jensonbutton - and guess who's getting in the car right now?!?
5 months ago
So, with one hour gone, the order is 1) SCH 1m54.355s 2) ROS 1m54.829s 3) ALG 2m11.314s. First two times set early on a dry track!
5 months ago
Lewis has joined us. He wants to say 'hi' to everyone and tell us about his big moment out on track!
5 months ago
We're effecting a rear-wing change to Lewis's car.
5 months ago
Well, the sun's out again, so hopefully we'll see the track drying quite quickly.
5 months ago
And for everybody asking, Paul 'Taffy' James is from Llanelli!
5 months ago
And Lewis is back in the box. Track looks pretty wet still.
5 months ago
There's now Tarmac run-off at the Rivage hairpin. Needed that last year! :)
5 months ago
Lewis is out and about on his install lap!
5 months ago
It's stopped raining. Looks like the cars are heading back out into the Fray. Lewis is already strapped in!
5 months ago
Pit: "Let's do an engine warm-up on Lewis's car."
5 months ago
There are a lot of fans out there of Paul 'Taffy' James - Lewis's number one mechanic. Let's hear it for Taff!
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Lewis, current forecast is for this rain to stay for the next five minutes, then it'll start clearing up."
5 months ago
My weather forecasting skills aren't that great - it's raining in the pits again! Let's just say the weather's... unpredictable!
5 months ago
Hmmm, well, rain's stopped in the pits - still sheeting down round the back! #thebeautyofspa!
5 months ago
Whadya know, the rain's stopped now!
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Lewis, with the amount coming down outside, I don't think we'll be going out for a little while - it's quite heavy."
5 months ago
WOW! The rain is SUPER HEAVY!!! #spa #f1
5 months ago
#socialfriday - and keep your questions and comments coming @thefifthdriver on Twitter!
5 months ago
So, while the rain comes down, let's hear your favourite #mclaren memories of Spa... There's been some classics!
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "This weather front could be with us for a bit and it could be getting worse."
5 months ago
Yes, it's raining again...
5 months ago
5 months ago
#socialfriday sounds like you guys have really missed Formula 1! Pleased to have us back??
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Box this lap."
5 months ago
Pit: "Lewis is box this lap - he'll be going straight into the garage."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Radio check Turn 12."
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "We'll get ready to run according to what the weather's doing."
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Radio check Turn Six."
5 months ago
5 months ago
Jenson's finished his install. He's now being wheeled back into the pits.
5 months ago
Pit: "Jenson's box this lap. He'll be stopping on his mark, holding and then laying rubber."
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check approaching Turn 14."
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check Turn Eight."
5 months ago
Track currently looks pretty dry...
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Hear you loud and clear."
5 months ago
Hamilton: "Radio check?"
5 months ago
And Jenson's just left the pits.
5 months ago
The session's now live. Spa is GO!
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Good, that's loud and clear."
5 months ago
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "Radio check, Jenson?"
5 months ago
Pit » HAM: "Can we get Lewis's tyres through to the garage, please?"
5 months ago
Pit » BUT: "There is more rain forecast, so we want to get out and do our install lap as soon as we can."
5 months ago
For all those asking about updates to the car - we've got a Spa-specific lower downforce rear wing fitted for this weekend.
5 months ago
Jenson's just wandered into the garage. He's currently donning his lid and getting ready for an installation lap.
5 months ago
Session's due to kick off in four minutes. Don't forget, it's #socialfriday - so send us your thoughts, questions and messages via Twitter.
5 months ago
So it's likely to be an unpredictable, stop-start session. We're with you LIVE on The Pitwall via www.mclaren.com - so come and join us!
5 months ago
It's been dry today. There's been a sudden shower. It's still damp, but drying, and more patchy rain is forecast.
5 months ago
Good morning from a dry/wet/sunny/cloudy/hot/cold/damp/warm/grey #Spa-Francorchamps! Weather as normal...
5 months ago
Join us right here on the McLaren.com Pitwall at 9am UK time tomorrow for LIVE commentary & data from P1 in Spa!
5 months ago
Heading back to school's always tough. eShop's got a few things that might make the return a little bit sweeter! http://tinyurl.com/3jhzkk2
5 months ago
Fantastic fan turnout at the driver signing sessions in the paddock this afternoon - if you were there, thanks for coming! :-)
5 months ago
One super shiny Brand Centre in the Spa paddock! It takes a team of 20 to build our home away from home.
5 months ago
P2 in Belgium: Jenson 3rd (1:50.770s), Lewis 4th (1:50.838s)
Full results from P2 at Spa-Francorchamps
P1 in Belgium: Jenson 3rd (2:02.740s), Lewis 5th (2:04.301s)
Full results from P1 at Spa-Francorchamps
Memorable McLaren moments: Belgium
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