Belgian Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Kimi Räikkönen delivered a commanding victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, but the race will be forever remembered for Giancarlo Fisichella's stunning pole position and podium finish for Force India - the team's first-ever pole and podium in Formula 1 history. The Italian veteran's fairy tale weekend at Spa-Francorchamps captured hearts worldwide, proving that even the smallest teams could produce magical moments, while Jenson Button's third-place finish saw him regain crucial championship ground over Rubens Barrichello.

Fisichella's pole lap of 1:46.308 in changing conditions was a masterpiece of wet-weather driving, showcasing the 36-year-old's enduring talent and timing. Starting from the front at the magnificent Spa circuit, the Italian led the opening laps before the faster cars inevitably caught him, but his brilliant second-place finish - Force India's first-ever podium - was a moment of pure emotion. Team principal Vijay Mallya and the entire Force India garage erupted in celebration, marking the culmination of years of struggle for the Silverstone-based team. Fisichella's performance earned him a dream move to Ferrari as Massa's replacement for the remaining races, though ironically his Ferrari stint would prove disappointing.

Räikkönen controlled the race superbly after passing Fisichella, claiming his first victory of the season and Ferrari's first win of a dismal campaign. The Finn's pace at Spa was reminiscent of his championship-winning form, giving Ferrari and their fans hope for the future. Vettel finished third after a strong drive, while Button recovered from a difficult qualifying to salvage crucial points in fourth, extending his championship lead back to 14 points over Barrichello, who struggled to seventh. The Belgian GP provided one of the season's most heartwarming stories and demonstrated that in Formula 1, anything is possible on the right day.