Fantasy Formula 1 Game and Blog

This weekend is the F1 Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the most favoured on the F1 calendar for spectators and drivers. The currently off-form Kimi Raikkonen is usually dominant at this circuit, winning here in 2007, 2005 and 2004 in the wet and dry.

But very soon, Ferrari have to decide whether they make Felipe Massa their title contender for the season and focus their attention on his race, or back Kimi for the Championship again. Kimi has been behind Massa in the last 3 races, but can Ferrari risk losing points to McLaren so late in the season?

Hamilton’s F1 debut at Spa did not go as well as the self-confessed lover of the circuit would have liked. He finished 4th after a lacklustre performance.

The betting odds are (to win outright - as of Wednesday):
Hamilton 7/4
Raikkonen 2/1
Massa 2/1

Despite the best odds being with Hamilton, Raikkonen’s past record may prevail, and if Kimi wins the race, it will firmly put him back into the title race, but there is another possible problem for the Italian firm.

Their engine has suffered from problems this season, and Spa is a very demanding circuit for the engine (72% of the time is spent at full throttle), so will Ferrari have to ease off to make the engine last, scuppering their chances at a win?

Weather forecast for Sunday (as of Wednesday):
Clear with max temp of 18 degrees

With an uncharacteristic run of performance from the current World Champion Räikkönen at the moment, and with only 6 races left in the season, should the emphasis be on making Massa the next World Champion?

It is one question to ask whether Räikkönen can improve his current form. His last 3 races have seen him finish 9th, 3rd and 18th (although car troubles have to be blamed for some of this performance)

Considering that Massa has 7 more points then Kimi, and yet he is still 6 behind Lewis Hamilton, you could see that, in a race situation, where Ferrari can choose a strategy that favours Massa, it could have a benefit, rather than have teammates fight for vital points, to focus on the current best performing driver.

In the era of Michael Schumacher, it was a lot more common for Massa to be the second driver, and the feeling was that he was behind held back, in terms of his potential by having to be 'number two'. In the last two seasons without Schumacher, Massa's skill and race pace and improved dramatically, with the exception of the Silverstone GP, Massa has often outshone his team-mate, who is reputed to be on £25 million a season.

Massa and Hamilton have won an equal amount of GPs this season (4), doubling Räikkönen's wins of just 2. You cannot doubt Räikkönen's pace however. He is a constant fastest lap winner, but his recent performances have seemed to lack spark and enthusiasm.

But before Ferrari make that decision, lets see what Räikkönen achieves at Spa-Francorchamps. He hasn’t lost the Belgium GP since 2002.

Born on 27th August 1976, this Australian F1 driver, currently with Red Bull has forged a long career with motorsport from relatively humble beginnings.

Mark is currently placed 9th in the F1 championship with 18 points.

Read more about Mark's career at Wikipedia

Whilst playing this weeks F1 game, there was a debate about whether points should be scored for order, rather than position. One particular user had 5 drivers in the right order, however they were all 1 place out of sync; Massa was 2nd, Hamilton was 3rd etc etc.

So the debate is: Should points be given on order as well as place?

Let us know your opinions on how the Fantasy F1 games can be improved. Send us an email at: mail <<at>> fwon <<dot>> co <<dot>> uk or leave a comment.

After a 3 week break, the F1 is back, with a brand new circuit in Valencia, Spain for the European GP.

It is a new circuit this season, and with new asphalt it will probably take most of the weekend to get rubber down and increase grip levels.

The circuit is purpose built, with concrete walls surrounding the majority of the track, however it does include wide run offs where needed, so expect more finishers for this race.

The 190mph track is one of the fastest on the calendar, and should make for some exciting racing. Can McLaren make it 4 wins out of 4, or will Ferrari up their game?

All will be revealed on the 24th!