Frustration last time out at the Hungaroring provided the perfect motivation for the Banbury-based squad over the summer break, with the challenging 4.3-mile Ardennes circuit the perfect setting as the team look to return to winning ways.
Renault Sport Academy racer Anthoine Hubert – twice a race winner in Monaco and Le Castellet already this season – has a proven track record at Spa, claiming a double podium in the GP3 Series this time last year.
Likewise for the other Pink Panther, Tatiana Calderon, with the Colombian fresh from testing duties for Alfa Romeo Formula 1 Team and looking for a repeat of her points-scoring form in Belgium last season to give her campaign a boost.
The weekend’s action gets underway with practice at midday on Friday ahead of that all-important qualifying session at 15:55 (BST).
The Feature Race is scheduled for Saturday at 15:45, with the Sprint Race at 10:15 the following morning ahead of the Formula 1 ® Belgian Grand Prix. Viewers based in the UK can, as always, follow the action live across the weekend on Sky Sports F1/HD.
Kenny Kirwan, BWT Arden Team Manager said:
“During the traditional summer break period the BWT Arden team have been busy preparing for the upcoming races at Spa and Monza.
“Following the disappointment of the previous two events, we have worked harder than ever to ensure we are back among the points, starting this weekend.
“Both Tatiana and Anthoine have also been busy and we look forward to a brighter outcome together as we head into the final leg of the European season.”
Tatiana Calderon (#18) said:
“I’m really excited for race week! Coming from a Formula 1 test in Paul Ricard definitely gives you a little bit more confidence, I think I understood a few things from the test and I want to thank the team again for a great job, I think that could be really beneficial coming into Spa and Monza, not just because of the track time but because you have more information regarding brake and tyre temperatures.
“I’m definitely looking forward to Spa, one of my favourite circuits. I’ve done well here over the last couple of years, so I hope that we can change this season around, starting this weekend.
“I’m definitely looking forward to lapping there a bit quicker than the year before with F2, of course it’s always a challenge when you have to discover everything in free practice but I’m looking forward to that and hopefully we can have a good weekend.”
Anthoine Hubert (#19) said:
“Spa is in my top five favourite tracks so I’m obviously very happy to race there in an F2. I feel very refreshed after the summer break and I’m looking forward to fight and get back to the front positions this weekend!”