Belgian Grand Prix 1952 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Alberto Ascari announced his championship intentions with a commanding victory at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on June 22, 1952, beginning what would become one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history. The Italian maestro mastered the fearsome 8.7-mile circuit in his Ferrari 500, controlling the race from the front with a combination of raw speed and tactical intelligence. Ascari's performance demonstrated that the smaller Formula 2 cars could still produce spectacular racing on the ultra-fast Spa circuit, even if they lacked the thunderous power of the previous generation's supercharged monsters.

Giuseppe Farina secured a Ferrari 1-2 finish with a strong drive to second place, though the 1950 World Champion finished over a minute behind his inspired teammate. Robert Manzon delivered an excellent performance to claim third place for Gordini, giving the French privateer team another podium finish and demonstrating that opportunities existed for well-driven smaller teams in the Formula 2 era. The race showcased Ferrari's technical superiority, their Ferrari 500 model's advanced four-cylinder engine and sophisticated chassis design establishing a clear performance advantage over the competition.

The Belgian Grand Prix maintained its fearsome reputation despite the reduced speeds of Formula 2 machinery. Cars still thundered through Eau Rouge and Blanchimont at terrifying velocities, with minimal safety provisions and unforgiving barriers waiting to punish any error. The race was run in typical Spa weather with intermittent rain showers sweeping across the Ardennes, creating treacherous conditions that tested drivers' skills to the absolute limit. Ascari's dominant victory established him as the clear championship favorite and began a winning streak that would define the 1952 season.