Belgian Grand Prix 2007 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Kimi Räikkönen delivered a commanding performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, leading home teammate Felipe Massa for Ferrari's third one-two finish of the season at the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Finnish driver controlled the race from pole position, building momentum for Ferrari's late-season charge while both McLaren drivers faltered - Lewis Hamilton retired with a gearbox failure while running third, and Fernando Alonso could only salvage third place after qualifying disappointments.

Räikkönen's pole lap of 1:45.994 showcased his mastery of Spa's demanding 7-kilometer layout, and he converted that advantage into a dominant race victory. The Finn led every lap, demonstrating the clinical efficiency that would define his championship challenge. Massa provided perfect support in second place, with Ferrari's one-two finish maximizing their points haul at a crucial stage of the championship. The Ferrari F2007 was perfectly suited to Spa's high-speed corners and long straights, vindicating the team's development direction.

Hamilton's retirement while running third was a devastating blow to his championship hopes, marking his second consecutive race without scoring major points. The gearbox failure cost him eight crucial points and opened the door for Ferrari's drivers to close the championship gap. Alonso salvaged third place after a difficult qualifying session, but the result was insufficient to capitalize on Hamilton's misfortune. With three races remaining, the championship was wide open - Räikkönen had closed to within 13 points of leader Hamilton, while Massa and Alonso remained mathematical contenders. Ferrari's momentum was building at precisely the right moment, while Hamilton's recent struggles raised questions about whether the rookie could hold his nerve in the championship run-in.