Belgian GP strategy guide: Ferrari, Mercedes set for tense duel at Spa

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Ferrari and Mercedes look set to go head-to-head in a one of the most closely-matched battles of the season at Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. Ferrari holds the front row thanks to a speed advantage over a single lap, but Friday's practice sessions suggest Mercedes has the faster car over a race distance.

That should make for a thrilling battle as both teams have two cars at the front of the grid and there is some room for flexibility on strategy if overtaking is proving difficult in a straight fight on track.

Assuming they hold their lead at the end of the first lap, Ferrari's main advantage will be its straight-line speed. In qualifying it was as much as 8km/h…