Explaining the slew of engine upgrades and penalties expected at Spa

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- The Belgian Grand Prix is usually a good time for engine manufacturers to introduce a new upgrade. It is the first of two races, the second being Monza's Italian Grand Prix, consisting of long straights which rely on outright power and place less emphasis on clamping downforce to a car.

This weekend has seen all four of F1's manufacturers fit something new, although some of those changes have incurred penalties while others have not. F1's current regulations restrict each car to a certain amount of each engine components -- once that number is exceeded, grid penalties come into play.

As Belgium is a logical place to bring new parts, it usually has a grid full of…