Bruised McLaren seek double at Spa F1

[Wizzo]

Formula One returns to the Spa Francorchamps circuit Sunday for the Belgian Grand Prix, with McLaren smarting from severe sanctions in the "spygate" affair but with its drivers still in the championship.

"The most important thing is that we will be going motor racing this weekend, the rest of the year and every season. This means that the drivers can continue to compete in the championship," McLaren boss Ron Dennis said.

After a year's absence due to construction and improvement works, the longest track of the season returns for last Grand Prix in Europe, before racing moves to Japan, China and Brazil.

Events off the track have overshadowed the sport, but I'msure will all be hoping the spy scandal is now over with Thursday's punishment.

Alonso said he was looking forward to racing again at his favourite track. "It is very demanding and with the long lap and all the different characteristics, you need to work hard with the team to get the right balance," he said.

"You need to have total concentration for every lap and I am motivated to get there and fight for the win.

"Last weekend in Italy was a special result for me and the team. The car was really fast and we are working to take that performance to Spa. There are some similar characteristics between Spa and Monza, as both demand a lot of power, so hopefully we will carry that over and be quick."

Raikkonen, however, appears to be just as happy at Spa, having won the last two Belgian Grands Prix - while driving a McLaren.

The Finn, third in Monza, is not giving up the title fight, although admitting his chances are dwindling.

"We will fight as long as arithmetic allows us to. We can't leave anything undone," he said.

"We still have a realistic chance. It is not going to be easy because we again lost points in Italy.

"But you never know what can happen in the next few races, so we keep pushing, and as long as we have a chance then we will see.

"We will give it everything to win. I have been on the central step of the podium twice at Spa at the last two races and I want to get back there on Sunday."

His Brazilian team-mate Felipe Massa - stuck on 69 points - now concedes he is probably out of the running after a technical defect ended his race at Monza.

"The title is still possible, but it is going to be very, very difficult," he said.