Drivers Hope that the Fans will see a Dry Race on Sunday

Weather forecasters state that Saturday should be dry at the Belgian Grand Prix, where Formula 1 qualifying will be taking place as well as GP2 and GP3 races. This would answer prayers for the entire field following an uneventful and saturated Friday, not least as the sport's fans would be treated to their share of the action.

In the opening pair of 90-minute F1 practices, rain hammered the Ardennes track as well as strong winds, ensuring an uncomfortable experience for spectators. It was also the reason that not a single competitive time was posted during the second session.

“It’s a shame for fans around the track – it’s quite windy and probably not so nice out in the grandstands,” said Sebastian Vettel, who sealed both pole position and the race victory in Belgium last year. “Hopefully they can come back tomorrow with dry clothes and we’ll have some sunshine – that’s the forecast anyway! You can’t race in these conditions, as the tyres can’t get rid of the water.”

Other drivers, such as Sauber’s Sergio Pérez, echoed the German’s sentiments.

“It is such a shame for the brave spectators,” the Mexican commented. “I believe the fans at Spa really love Formula 1 and today we left them disappointed. I hope we can make up for this tomorrow and put on a good show on Sunday.”

In Practice 2, no less than 14 drivers ended the session with no lap time to their names.

"It was just one of those days at Spa," summed up Force India's Nico Hülkenberg. "It was wet when we woke up and the rain stayed with us all day. It was cold and quite chilly in the car. We think it will be dry tomorrow, but at least we have some experience and data from the wet conditions because you never know what the weather will do."