After the sun drenched, harbor side setting of the European GP in Valencia the paddock heads north to commence battle around the historic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, deep in the forests of the Belgian Ardennes mountains.

The demanding circuit provides a real test of man and machine, with long periods on maximum throttle, quickly followed by heavy braking and quick corners. Car set up will be key to a successful race.

The weekend’s race could prove decisive in the championship battle with only five rounds remaining after Spa. Lewis Hamilton heads into the race with a six point advantage over Felipe Massa, while reigning World Champion Kimi Räikkönen is a further seven points behind. None of the drivers can afford to slip up this weekend and give their rivals an advantage.

Spa’s unpredictable and sometimes changeable weather is certainly one of the aspects that makes this race weekend particularly intriguing. At 7.004 km’s it’s the longest of all the tracks on the current Formula One calendar, meaning one side of the circuit could be experiencing a rain shower while the other is completely dry.

Toyota will be heading into Spa with high spirits after a good showing at Valencia, which saw both drivers finish inside the top 8 points scoring positions. After a disappointing start to the championship, Toyota have been on a rich run of form with both cars finishing in the points in the last two races and Timo Glock managed to bring the TF108 home in a podium position at Hungary.

Jarno Trulli, Toyota
"In my opinion Spa is simply the best circuit in the world and I love driving there. Every part of the circuit is challenging for a driver and that is fantastic because you have to really push in every corner to get the best lap time.”

Timo Glock, Toyota
"Spa is one of my favourite tracks so I can't wait to race there for the first time in Formula One. It's a fantastic experience in a GP2 car so I am expecting it to be amazing in the TF108."

Honda have been making progress throughout the season and the team will be determined to show improved form over the final races. Recent modifications to the car have seen a positive upturn in the performance of drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, who will both be hoping for the opportunity to score some points to boost team morale and enhance their championship position.

Jenson Button, Honda
"All the drivers love going to Spa, and for me, it is one of the most beautiful circuits that we race on with fantastically green and lush surroundings. The weather can play a big part in the race weekend which is great for us as the car goes well in the wet."

Rubens Barrichello, Honda
"Our test in Monza last week was positive and we expect to have resolved the braking problems which affected my weekend in Valencia. Spa is without doubt one of the best circuits on the calendar with the unpredictable weather and the opportunities for overtaking, you always expect an entertaining race.”

Making their first trip to Spa as a team and hoping to put in an impressive performance on their debut is Force India.
The team has had a tricky first campaign in the top flight of open wheeled motorsport, but has not allowed this to dent their confidence as they strive to get their first championship point. The team is definitely due a change in luck and the two drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will be hoping that the weekend might just hold the key for a productive last quarter of the campaign.

The race on Sunday is scheduled to start at 14:00 (CET)