Rain and shine at typical Spa

(GMM) Sunshine gave way to rain at Spa-Francorchamps on Thursday, as F1 prepares for a typically unpredictable Belgian grand prix.

In the notoriously fickle Ardennes region, the sport's figures were surprised as they arrived at the fabled circuit to find a bright and dry paddock.

"Good news — really warm and sunny at Spa," said Virgin Racing on its official Twitter channel.

Shortly afterwards, Mercedes GP reported: "Oh wait … it is now raining."

The Telegraph's Tom Cary was more eloquent as he described how the "blue skies and sunshine have given way to thick white cloud and fine mist-like rain".

The official forecast is for a probably wet Friday ahead of potential rain for qualifying, with Sunday likely to be better.

But championship leader Sebastian Vettel said the most predictable forecast is for a weekend "full of surprises".

"Spa can be raining one minute and then the sun can be shining the next."

Agreed Force India's Adrian Sutil: "We should probably expect some more rain showers this weekend."