Event of the Day: Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix
Our event of the day is the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot. Having paused for four weeks for the summer break, the F1 season returns and promises to be just as fast and frantic as before. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes qualified fastest in the rainy conditions yesterday with a time of 1:58.179, with title rival Sebastian Vettel just behind, clocking up a time of 1:58.905. Esteban Ocon recorded a tremendous third place for Force India with a time of 2:01.851. Just as they had done in Hungary last month, Mercedes benefitted from the wet conditions to finish just ahead of Ferarri. This slight edge could be the difference for Hamilton today, in a title race that looks as if it will be decided by small margins.
Lewis Hamilton currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by twenty-four points. The Mercedes driver extended his lead over rival Sebastian Vettel thanks to consecutive wins at the German and Hungarian Grand Prix. However, Vettel is hot on Hamilton’s heals, having recorded four wins himself this season. Both Vettel and Hamilton are going for their fifth world title. With nine races remaining before the season concludes in Abu Dhabi in November, there is still everything to play for.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the British MotoGP at Silverstone. Jorge Lorenzo qualified in pole position ahead of Ducati teammate Andrea Dovizioso during yesterday’s qualifying. Johann Zarco qualified in third to set up an exciting race today. Elsewhere in the UK, the final Vitality T20 Blast quarter final gets underway at the Cooper Associates County Ground, where Somerset and holders Notts are both vying for a place in the last four. Further sporting action in England comes from St James’ Park, as Newcastle United take on Chelsea in the Premier League. Meanwhile in the Championship, Rotherham face Millwall at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. In the SPL, Rangers travel to Motherwell, whilst in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund host RB Leipzig. Inter Milan will look to bounce back from their opening day defeat, as they face Torino in Serie A. Eredivisie action comes from the AFAS Stadium, where AZ Alkmaar welcome Vitesse Arnhem. In Ligue 1, Marseille host Rennes, whilst in La Liga, Real Madrid travel to Girona. The New York Red Bulls will aim to close the gap at the top of the MLS, as they play D.C. United at the Red Bull Arena. In Saint Petersburg, the MLB series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox concludes. Meanwhile in Paramus, the final day of the PGA Northern Trust gets underway. On the LPGA Tour, it’s day four of the CP Women’s Open, and it’s also the fourth day of action at the Czech Masters on the European Tour. The World Triathlon Series is in Montreal, with the second day of action. In Sydney, the Dragons aiming to close in on third place on the NRL ladder, face the Bulldogs. Stage 2 of the Vuelta a España begins in Marbella and finishes 163.5 gruelling kilometres later in Caminito del Rey.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Formula 1
***Due to rain the MotoGP race has been called off and the 4th Quarter-Final match of the Vitality Blast between Somerset and Notts has been postponed***