1997 Belgian Grand Prix
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Race details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race 12 of 17 in the 1997 Formula One season | ||
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| Date | August 24, 1997 | |
| Official name | LV Belgian Grand Prix | |
| Location | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium | |
| Course | Permanent racing facility 6.968 km (4.330 mi) |
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| Distance | 44 laps, 306.592 km (190.507 mi) | |
| Weather | Wet, then drying out | |
| Pole position | ||
| Driver |  Jacques Villeneuve |
Williams-Renault |
| Time | 1:49.450 | |
| Fastest lap | ||
| Driver | Jacques Villeneuve |
Williams-Renault |
| Time | 1:52.692 on lap 43 | |
| Podium | ||
| First |  Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari |
| Second |  Giancarlo Fisichella |
Jordan-Peugeot |
| Third | Heinz-Harald Frentzen |
Williams-Renault |
The 1997 Belgian Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Spa-Francorchamps on August 24, 1997. The wet weather associated with the circuit came heavily, causing the race to be started behind the safety car for the first time in Formula One history.
Michael Schumacher won the race comfortably, ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella who scored the best result of his career up to this time. His team-mate Ralf Schumacher started from the pit lane - he was sent out to take his place on the grid on dry tyres, but spun and crashed on his way to the grid. Explaining how he crashed out of the race later, he explained to ITV "I had nothing to lose, and I lost it". Michael gained ground over championship rival Jacques Villeneuve, who typically struggled in the wet conditions.
Mika Häkkinen was third on the road, but later disqualified due to a fuel irregularity.
[edit] Classification
[edit] Notes
- Lap leaders: Jacques Villeneuve 4 (1-4), Michael Schumacher 40 (5-44)
| Previous race: 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix |
FIA Formula One World Championship 1997 season |
Next race: 1997 Italian Grand Prix |
| Previous race: 1996 Belgian Grand Prix |
Belgian Grand Prix | Next race: 1998 Belgian Grand Prix |
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