Ahead of today's sole free practice session, the air temperature is 12 degrees C, while the track temperature is 16 degrees.

Whilst yesterday's threatened rain never amounted to anything, the same cannot be said today as the paddock awoke to a rather soggy Spa. Which, of course, is what we have become used to over the years. That said, the rain has stopped and the track, bathed in bright sunshine, is rapidly drying.

Nico Rosberg topped the timesheets in yesterday's opening session but it was teammate Lewis Hamilton who set the pace when it really mattered, in FP2. Indeed, the Briton was 0.6s quicker than the German.

An engine problem meant that Sebastian Vettel sat out all of FP2, whilst a misunderstanding with the barriers meant Pastor Maldonado also failed to get any option tyre running.

Based on yesterday's running Ferrari appears to be 'best of the rest' however, at a circuit which will suit the Mercedes powered cars it is thought that Williams, in particular, was playing its cards close to its chest.

Ignoring the shenanigans at Marussia, it was interesting to see Adrian Sutil in the top ten and both McLarens looking good.

Force India, which had looked strong in FP1, appeared to lose pace in the second session.

There are two DRS zones, the detection point for the first is 240m before Turn 2, with the activation point 310m after Turn 4 on the Kemmel Straight. The second detection point is 160m before Turn 18, with the activation point 30m after Turn 19, the final chicane. In terms of tyres, Pirelli is providing the medium and soft rubber.

Whilst the sun is doing its work, certainly on some parts of the circuit, the session is officially declared wet. There is a 40% chance of further rain.

The lights go green and Bianchi leads the way, followed by Bottas and Maldonado.

More and more cars take to the track, most on Inters, a couple on full wets.

Vettel has changed his engine but as it is an old engine he doesn't incur a penalty.

Within the opening five minutes all bar Alonso and Vergne have been out for an installation lap.

Button, on Inters, tells his team that he intends "taking it easy" as he doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks with the car. Countryman Hamilton is on full wets.

Finally out on track, Alonso tip-toes around the circuit, Lew Combes, in particular, still quite damp.

Lotterer is the first driver out for a second run, the Sports Car veteran getting his first 'damp' run in a 2014 F1 car. Having posted a 2:07.529 he spins at La Source.

Bianchi posts 2:01.823, along with Lotterer and Chilton he is the only driver on track.

As Bianchi and Lotterer return to the pits, with 41:00 remaining, Chilton is the sole runner. To the crowd's disappointment he too dives into the pits.

Finally... with 29:40 on the clock, Gutierrez heads down the pitlane... and he's on the prime (medium) rubber.

As the Mexican begins his first flying lap – not going quickest in S1 – his progress is monitored by his 21 rivals.

He is quickest in S2, and again in S3, crossing the line at 2:00.242.

Next time around, and much to the interest of his rivals, he does go quickest in S1. He maintains the pace in S2, finally stopping the clock at 1:56.151.

Moments later the Marussia duo head down the pitlane, followed by Ericsson, the Swede opting for options. One by one more drivers leave their garages.