Lewis Hamilton is itching to get back into action this weekend in a bid to build on his success in Hungary and mount a Formula One title charge over the second half of the campaign.
Four weeks ago, Hamilton breathed life into his championship challenge by finally clinching his first victory for Mercedes this season and the fourth of his career around the Hungaroring.
Following the sport’s near month-long summer break, Hamilton heads into this weekend’s return in Belgium trailing leader and reigning three-times champion Sebastian Vettel by 48 points.
While the 28-year-old has been pursuing his other passion of music during the holiday period posting a number of images on Twitter of himself in a recording studio he is now eager to hit the track.
“It feels like I have been out of the car for a very long time since Hungary and I can’t wait to get going again,” said Hamilton.
“I was at the factory (in Brackley) on Tuesday to meet up with my engineers and get in some practice on the simulator.
“It was nice to see everyone and to feel the enthusiasm around the factory after the summer break. We’re all looking forward to the second half of the season and the opportunity to bring home some more good results.”
With three successive poles to his name the first British driver to achieve the feat since Damon Hill in his title-winning year of 1996 and with Mercedes appearing to have cured their previous tyre woes, there is every prospect of Hamilton winning again.
Motor sport director Toto Wolff recognises his team will be in the sights of their rivals after claiming seven of the last eight poles and three of the last five wins.
Wolff said: “Our first half of the season exceeded expectations, but we will continue to work hard and to improve performance further in the second half.
“On paper, Spa is a circuit that should suit our car and Nico (Rosberg) and Lewis will be at their best on a real driver’s circuit.
“We have a strong all-round package and good momentum after our win in Hungary. However, everybody will bring a special low-drag package for this circuit so we won’t know who has found the best compromise before we start running on Friday.”