After the four week summer break Formula One returns this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. The extended break from racing will have given the teams and drivers more time to develop their current machines for the remaining races, with Lotus being no exception.

After a good run of results in Britain, Germany and Hungary Lotus will be looking for the good form to continue at Spa with the reliability nightmares of the early season looking to be over. The mid season break has allowed the team to pull more performance from the Cosworth engine as well as giving the drivers more time to drive the T127.

The developments to the 2010 car should bode well for Lotus with the development of the new 2011 Formula One car with Pirelli’s involvement for 2011 suggesting another boost for the sport. The new developments will face a stern test during  the race weekend at Spa Francorchamps with the Belgian circuit being one of the toughest on the calendar. The layout and length of the track means that outright performance and reliability is crucial on one of the longest and most historic circuits ever to be used as a Formula One venue.

The demands of the Belgian track will test the endurance and the resilience of the cars and drivers with the iconic La Source and Eau Rouge corners guaranteeing some close action over the race weekend. Lotus will need to prove their stamina if they want their good form to continue during Saturdays qualifying and Sunday’s race.

The overall layout of the circuit should put the team to the test with the mix of tight corners and fast straights putting major demands on car and driver with the run from Eau Rouge to Les Combes across the Kemmel straight being a particular challenge. While the track has changed significantly since it debuted in Formula One the history of the circuit remains with the modern layout being on the Formula One calendar since 2007.

The race at Spa almost always guarantees drama in the sport with the 1998 race in the wet being one of the most dramatic races ever witnessed in Formula One. In recent years the circuit has still lived up to its billing with crashes and controversy in equal measure, if Lotus want to do well the drivers will have to avoid the problems which have befallen fellow racers in recent years

The form guide would suggest the promise of another midfield finish for Lotus with both drivers performing well in the last three races. With two experienced drivers Lotus will have an advantage over the race weekend compared to their nearest rivals and the team will be brimming with confidence after the four week break. The team will anticipate another promising result during  Sundays race and with the history behind the circuit they might just get their best result so far.

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