After all the bull**** of the last few days… weeks… months, isn't is great to get back to what this F1 thing should really be about, racing.

And what better place to blow away the stench of greed, ambition, treachery and disloyalty than the majestic Spa Francorchamps circuit.

In recent days we have all felt tainted by the stink of corruption brought about by Messrs Stepney and Coughlan, hopefully now we can have a race that will help to put their actions out of our minds.

Thankfully, the GP2 races, usually a good yardstick for the Grand Prix, were pretty much incident free, with no major pile ups. That said, (thankfully again) the F1 stars are a tad more adventurous, and therefore there could be silliness at La Source on the first lap, and perhaps even Bus Stop.

The revised Bus Stop and pitlane entrance has caught out several drivers thus far this weekend, and it would not be too much of a surprise to see a few more drivers caught out this afternoon.

Robert Kubica had an engine change before qualifying yesterday, and therefore forfeits ten grid spots, which means he starts from fifteenth on the grid. However, an engine change to Giancarlo Fisichella's car after the session means that the hapless Italian will start from the back of the grid.

As ever there will be the usual speculation as to fuel loads and strategy, however, let's forget all that - let's face it, there are rarely any major surprises - so let's sit back and hope for a great race on a great circuit.

Though it is out of the Constructors' Championship, McLaren will be keen to see its drivers dominate the Drivers' Championship, not to mention getting one over their Italian rivals. Then again, following the humiliation of Monza, Ferrari will be keen to reassert themselves here on the Ardennes Rollercoaster.

It should be good to see Robert Kubica battle his way back up the grid, while Nico Rosberg has been looking good all weekend. While Nick Heidfeld looks likely to take his customary fourth/fifth place, is it possible that Webber or Trulli could pick up a few more points?

Fifteen minutes before the start of the race, Fisichella runs back to the pits, where he climbs into the T-car. For reasons unknown, Davidson is also starting from the pitlane, behind Fisichella.

As the cars prepare to head off on the warm up lap, the air temperature is 21 degrees C, while the track temperature is 32 degrees C.

Massa starts on the harder tyres, as are most of the other leading drivers. A quick look appears to indicate that the Sypkers are the only cars starting on the softer option.

The grid forms, the tension mounts.

As the two Ferraris get away cleanly, Alonso moves over on his teammate, forcing the Englishman wide at the exit to La Source. As the run downhill towards Eau Rouge, the McLarens are side by side with Rosberg in hot pursuit. Alonso has the advantage at Eau Rouge and moves ahead of his English rival. Phew, hairy stuff!