A look at the WEC

The next Formula 1 race is still a week away. In the meantime the fantastic LMP1 cars of the WEC are racing in the six hours of Belgium at the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The pole time was not far away from the times of Formula 1 race pace, these are seriously quick cars. Combined with LMP2 and the two GT classes this is a series which provides a taste of the Le Mans 24 hours, which starts in just over a months time.

I've already been able to experience watching these machines at Silverstone a few weeks ago. With many an ex-Formula 1 drivers including Mark Webber, Alexander Wurz and Anthony Davidson in the ranks as well as current Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg racing in Belgium and Le Mans, it was quite the mesmeric watch, especially as the LMP1 cars sliced through the GT cars. And although it's not easy to follow without a radio plugged into your ear, there was some good action. For a six hour race the LMP1 cars kept close to each other throughout with only 15 seconds separating the top three by the end. 

Here's a few pictures of a fine if windy race day at Silverstone.

The number 2 Toyota on the formation grid

Number 7 Audi getting a few last minute checks

Wurz gracefully getting out of his Toyota

World Champion Anthony Davidson calming everyone down

Mark Webber heads over to his pole sitting Porsche

Webber getting ready to lead the grid away

Sebastien Buemi taking the first stint in the No. 1 Toyota

Racing under way, the GT cars provided a lot of close action

No. 2 Toyota still with Wurz at the wheel.

Buemi staying near the front

It was close for a long time in the LMP1 class.

No. 8 Audi would fall back later on after challenging at the front.

Webber led the early going but a problem took the car out of the race

The Toyota didn't look as fast as the Audi or Porsche.

No. 7 Audi would swap the lead for a long way into the race.

The LMP1 cars just cut through the back-markers.

No. 18 Porsche kept the race alive.

Gulf sponsored Aston Martin looks great.

Davidson pushed hard to stay in contention.

Another look at the Aston.

No. 7 Audi despite late pit stop and penalty kept the lead.

No. 1 Toyota managed to get on the podium.

But the No. 7 Audi won, ahead of the 18 Porsche and 1 Toyota.

Marcel Fassler, Andre Lotterer & Benoit Treluyer take their rewards.

Michelin man watches as it's time for Champagne.