It looks like Formula 1's control Bridgestones are at the root of Spa's mixed-up form. But is this good for the sport?

What on earth was that Spa grid about? It was the question everyone was asking in the paddock, and even the participants seemed to have as little idea as everyone else. Some of it was readily explainable, but by no means all.

There were the conspiracy theories, and you could see the logic. With F1 needing to ensure as many cars and teams as possible are around for next year, those three teams most in need of help – Force India (budget struggles), BMW (looking for a buyer) and Toyota (perceived as needing encouragement to stay) – were suddenly at the front.

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