Time to recharge

The four-week F1 break comes to a close in the first weekend of September when the F1 circus returns to the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

The cool-down period includes a two-week mandatory shut down of all operations.

Ferrari even closed down its road production car plant to stress the importance of time to recharge.

However, many teams opted to work through the first week after the Hungary Grand Prix; the trucks returned after full back-to-back weekends; F1 cars badly needed a coat of paint after two fierce races; plus decision-making, unpacking all and planning for the next race.

The title is still up for grabs, with Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Lotus all still in with a chance to win it.

Normally, come August, teams decide whether to continue exploring the current race car or move on.

The big teams normally employ two departments – one working on the current race car while the second designs next year’s car.

This year things are different. The championship is very close.

It is true that Fernando Alonso has unexpectedly amassed a buffer of 40 points on Australian Mark Webber, but one DNF (do not finish) from the Spaniard and the heat is back on.

The good news is that 2013 regulations should not change much with a double DRS (drag reduction system) still being outlawed.

The biggest revolution is expected in 2014.

Lewis Hamilton commented that his win in Hungary was no fluke. His McLaren MP4-27 has improved dramatically.

His driving has been extraordinary, and even though he is trailing the championship list he is definitely in with a chance especially with the upcoming two races in Spa and Monza, two very fast tracks in which McLaren should do well.

Likewise the Lotus team . 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen is now overdue a maiden win in the Lotus.

The car has been fast all season but gremlins and misfortune kept both drivers off the highest step of the podium.

However, after Hungary, the team seems to be upbeat and closing in for their first win.

Sahara Force India, which seemed to be doing quite well this year, have decided to focus on the 2013 project.

We await the breaking of the silence and look forward to witnessing Eau Rouge, the most exciting corner in all the F1 season racing at Spa Francorchamp in Belgium.