2014 Belgian F1 GP: Ricciardo Takes Third Championship Win At Spa

Daniel Ricciardo took his third win of the season at the iconic Spa Francorchamps in Belgium over the weekend. 

Despite a lowly grid position, the Australian took advantage of Rosberg and Hamilton coming together and a lack of pace from Vettel to storm into the lead.

PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING

Practice saw the Mercedes pick up where they left off, but the Williams were never far away. To Ferando Alonso's surprise (and delight), the Ferraris were much-improved.

Lotus resumed their form, with Maldonado having a significant off in practice and failing to get out of Q1. 

Newcomer Lotterer (replacing Kobayashi at Caterham) outqualified his teammate while Chilton took to the track despite being replaced on Friday by Alexander Rossi due to "contractual issues" that cleared unexpectedly.

But the action was at the front, with Rosberg laying down a sensational time on the wet track.

Hamilton tried with all his might, but was defeated by time and a suspect set of brakes. Ricciardo nearly threw his car into the wall on his final flyer but managed fifth behind Alonso, Vettel and the two Mercedes.

RACE

The drama began on the warm-up lap with Alonso still sitting in the air on his jacks as the grid moved away for the parade lap.

An investigation was immediately instigated as team members were on the grid after the fifteen second signal.

The race got away without further incident, with Hamilton leaping into the lead from second place. Vettel tried to mug Hamilton's at Les Combes but ended up going straight on to avoid an accident. 

Ricciardo held his place while Vettel settled back into third behind Rosberg.