If anyone tells you Formula One racing is predictable, they weren’t watching at Spa on Saturday as Giancarlo Fisichella took pole position for Force India ahead of Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld. Yes, you read that right. In one of the best qualifying sessions of the year the times in Q1 were separated first to last by only 1.8 seconds, in Q2 by eight-tenths and in Q3 by one second

Predictions that McLaren will not be as strong in Spa as they were last weekend in Valencia are incorrect – or at least they were on Friday afternoon.

It was confirmed Friday that November’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will begin at 5pm, two hours later than originally scheduled. The new start time means the race will get underway at dusk and will reach its conclusion in the dark, with floodlights illuminating the cars to the finish line.

Things really got underway in Friday’s second practice session at Spa, when Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time on a dry track.

Since its inception in 2005, the GP2 Series has established itself as a serious breeding ground for Formula One talent – with the likes of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton as evidence. And official tyre suppliers to the series, Bridgestone, are helping to do the same for motorsport journalism, with their e-reporter competition. Eight of the 2009 finalists will each get to report from one round of the series, and will be supplying Formula1.com with details of the GP2 action, plus a diary reflecting their experience as a first-time paddock correspondent

The five years between wins was not the easiest of times for Rubens Barrichello, so no wonder his Valencia victory was overwhelming. Moving up to second in the championship was also a bonus he is ready to embrace – despite the considerable 18 point gap to Brawn team mate Jenson Button

Whatever the Formula One rumour mill might say about Ferrari’s 2010 driver line-up, Kimi Raikkonen remains as cool as ever on the speculation surrounding his future with the team. The only thing he is willing to admit is that he has a contract for next year – and that any decisions will be made by people other than him…

The dramatic turnaround in McLaren’s performances over the past few races has impressed even the most hardened of pit-lane observers. From starting the season over two seconds off the pace, to winning in Hungary and taking a dominant one-two during qualifying at the most recent race in Valencia, the British team’s recovery has been remarkable. Back in March it had been very different, with many writing off the MP4-24 as a disaster.

Two drivers facing their first Belgian Grand Prix are among those in the hot seat on Thursday, while four senior team personnel will take to the stage on Friday.

Bridgestone, the official tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship, have announced the tyre compound allocations for the last four rounds of 2009.