1997 Belgian Grand Prix

Infobox Grand Prix race report
Type = F1
Country = Belgium
Grand Prix = Belgian
Date = August 24
Year = 1997


Race_No = 12
Season_No = 17
Location = Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium
Course = Permanent racing facility
Course_mi = 4.347
Course_km = 6.968
Distance_laps = 44
Distance_mi = 191.261
Distance_km = 306.592
Weather = Wet, then drying out
Pole_Driver = flagicon|Canada Jacques Villeneuve
Pole_Team = Williams-Renault
Pole_Time = 1:49.450
Fast_Driver = flagicon|Canada Jacques Villeneuve
Fast_Team = Williams-Renault
Fast_Time = 1:52.692
Fast_L

First_Driver = flagicon|Germany Michael Schumacher
First_Team = Ferrari
Second_Driver = flagicon|Italy Giancarlo Fisichella
Second_Team = Jordan-Peugeot
Third_Driver = flagicon|Germany Heinz-Harald Frentzen
Third_Team = Williams-RenaultThe 1997 Belgian Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Spa-Francorchamps on August 24, 1997. The wet weather associated with the circuit came heavily, causing the race to be started behind the safety car for the first time in Formula One history.

Michael Schumacher won the race comfortably, ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella who scored the best result of his career up to this time. His team-mate Ralf Schumacher started from the pit lane - he was sent out to take his place on the grid on dry tyres, but spun and crashed on his way to the grid. Explaining how he crashed out of the race later, he explained to ITV "I had nothing to lose, and I lost it". Michael gained ground over championship rival Jacques Villeneuve, who typically struggled in the wet conditions.

Mika Häkkinen was third on the road, but later disqualified due to a fuel irregularity.

Classification

Notes

*Pole position: Jacques Villeneuve
*Fastest L

F1 race report
Name_of_race = Belgian Grand Prix | Year_of_race = 1997
Previous_race_in_season = 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix
Next_race_in_season = 1997 Italian Grand Prix
Previous_year's_race = 1996 Belgian Grand Prix
Next_year's_race = 1998 Belgian Grand Prix