F1 Belgian GP: 5 Qualifying Predictions

The 2018 Formula One season has officially returned with Friday's opening two practise sessions for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps.

Much of the build-up has been about the group of drivers who have announced their futures in or out of F1.

But since all of that is now out of the way, Friday saw all 10 teams take to the track including McLaren's reserve driver Lando Norris who experienced his first F1 practise session.

Friday morning's FP1 was topped by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel before his team mate Kimi Raikkonen was fastest in FP2.

Practise makes perfect and it has been a good day for Ferrari.

Saturday is the all important qualifying, so here is 5 predictions ahead of Saturday's action.

#5 Force India eye top 10

Force India has had a rollercoaster of a few weeks off the track.

From going into administration to being taken back out of it from Lance Stroll's father Lawrence Stroll.

It has been difficult for both Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon to concentrate on the track with what's going on behind them.

But the team carry on after a long summer and Friday's practise had a lot of positives for the pink panthers.

Spa Francorchamps could do well for Force India this weekend after both drivers finished in the top 10 of FP1 and Perez being 7th fastest in FP2.

#4 Verstappen to out-qualify Ricciardo?

Thursday's media day in Belgium had many journalists asking similar questions to both Red Bull drivers of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.

Of course, all questions were based on Ricciardo's surprise move to Renault next year.

Many will assume now that Verstappen will be Red Bull's number one driver from now on.

This weekend is a special one for Verstappen as the stands expect to host many supporters travelling from the Netherlands.

Verstappen certainly has a big backing from his home nation and it might come in to help throughout the weekend.

Especially in qualifying as FP1 and FP2 suggest the 20 year old will be faster than Ricciardo come Saturday's three qualifying sessions.

#3 A miserable home race for Vandoorne?

Stoffel Vandoorne's future in Formula One is looking very uncertain before this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

And Friday's practise sessions have certainly not helped the McLaren driver try and convince his bosses to keep him for next year.

Vandoorne was the slowest driver on the track in both FP1 and FP2 while McLaren's reserve driver, Lando Norris, out paced Vandoorne in the opening practise session.

The Belgium racer has yet not been offered a contract extension to stay at McLaren for 2019 while his employers last week sealed the deal for Renault's Carlos Sainz Jnr after Fernando Alonso announced retirement from the sport.

Not the scenario Vandoorne wished for in his home Grand Prix.

#2 Potential showers for qualifying

caption — 2013 - Mark Webber struggling in the rain

An exciting prospect for Formula One fans ahead of Saturday's qualifying sessions.

The weather conditions for Saturday in Spa Francorchamps is at least showers to leak over the circuit.

But that all depends on what time of day that it is expected.

The weather system suggests the showers will begin from 5am on Saturday morning. It's fair to say many will have their fingers crossed for a wet track come Saturday afternoon.

Let's go back to the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix when rain struck out of nowhere during Saturday's qualifying.

It will be remembered as a maiden pole position that got away from Paul Di Resta's grasp.

The rain made it one of the most exciting qualifiers in years especially when the 2013 championship was seen as dull as Sebastian Vettel dominated most parts of the season.

#1 Vettel for pole position?

Sebastian Vettel has a lot to do to close the gap on championship leader Lewis Hamilton if he wants to get his hands on a fifth world championship.

The Ferrari driver ended the first half of the season on a bit of a downer by conceding race wins in Germany and Hungary to Hamilton.

The German now trails the Mercedes driver by 24 points.

There are still nine races remaining including this weekend's Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps for Vettel to stitch up the wounds.

From what we've seen in FP1 and FP2, Ferrari look to be the fastest on the track with Vettel fastest in the opening session and Kimi Raikkonen coming out on top in the following practice.

A 6th pole position of the season coming up for Mr Vettel?

What are your predictions for Saturday's qualifying? Comment below...

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