GP de Belgique 2016: TV program

As since 2010, the premier discipline begins the second part of the championship on the seven kilometers of the Ardennes rollercoaster. For the majority of drivers, the Belgian event is certainly one of the most majestic of the season. The Eau Rouge/Raidillon sequence always represents a beautiful emotion for the drivers, even if it is mastered effortlessly by the current single-seaters. On the other hand, the Pouhon-Blanchimont double left also offers its share of sensations!

Moreover, the weather around the Belgian Ardennes often makes things unpredictable. Rain is never far away in the sky of Spa-Francorchamps…

Four weeks after the checkered flag of the German Grand Prix, the Mercedes team will still be the benchmark on the grid. With a lead of 159 points over its nearest competitor, which is now Red Bull, the German company is heading towards a third consecutive crown.

Among the drivers, Lewis Hamilton is the leader of the overall standings, with a 19-point lead over Nico Rosberg, who was leading the championship until the penultimate Grand Prix, held in Hungary.

Behind, the main battle therefore seems to be shaping up between Red Bull and Ferrari. The Austrian team is fourteen points ahead of its direct Italian rival.

Moreover, two other figures will be closely watched in Belgium. Dutchman Max Verstappen, born on the other side of the border in Hasselt, arrives in conquered territory, coming off a remarkable season driving his Red Bull. Having already won in Barcelona in May, the driver sporting the number 33 will attempt to at least climb onto the Ardennes podium in front of a maximum audience.

But also, the world of Formula 1 will closely monitor the progress of rookie Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman will make his Grand Prix debut with Manor, after replacing Rio Haryanto, who could not continue his season due to financial constraints. As a test driver for Renault, Ocon’s performances will be evaluated at a high level by Frédéric Vasseur with a view to a full-time position in 2017.

And by Mercedes, which will compare its evolution in light of its duel against Pascal Wehrlein, its new teammate and another protégé of the Star manufacturer.

In France, as Canal+ is the official broadcaster of Formula 1, you will need to subscribe to the encrypted channel to be able to follow the race and other Formula 1 broadcasts and reruns. This is not the case in Switzerland or Belgium, as the RTS and RTBF groups handle the broadcasts.

Note: the third Free Practice session will be broadcast with a slight delay on Canal+ Sport, after the end of a Rugby Championship match between Australia and New Zealand.