Setting the scene for Belgium

There was a wonderful sense of symmetry at Spa on Thursday. Two decades to the day since Michael Schumacher made his first grand prix start at this very circuit, it was no surprise that the seven-time world champion was the centre of attention.

He will be hoping that his race lasts a little longer than it did on August 25, 1991, when he burned up a clutch that had seen better days. Despite his penchant in recent races for incidents (two collisions and two spins in the last four races), there are signs that if he has a clean run on Sunday afternoon, he could end up ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg on merit.

But that's one for the future; today was a time to look back.

Sat next to Schumache in the FIA press conference was Sebastian Vettel, who added to the jovial atmosphere by recollecting his early experiences with his predecessor as Germany's F1 superstar. He didn't mention that he was only four years old when Schumacher made that amazing debut at Spa, which was in stark contrast to some drivers, who have been known to recall watching great moments of racing that occurred even before they were born, but it was a reminder of the incredible longevity of the Mercedes driver.

"I remember the first time I went to Hockenheim with my father to see practice," said Vettel. "We went all the way down to the first chicane. it was raining like crazy and Michael had this yellow Benetton at the time. To see a Formula 1 car and then Michael passing...he was probably just on an install lap, nothing spectacular, but it was really special. Unfortunately nobody else went out because it was raining so hard.

"When I was go-karting, Michael was all of the kids' hero. When we had this race in Kerpen at the end of the season, he handed over the trophies and it was very special to see him, to meet him, to shake his hand and to get our trophies presented by him.

Clouds... Eau Rouge... it must be Spa © LAT

"To imagine now what happened in the past and to see today that we are racing against each other in F1 is quite crazy. He was the hero of my childhood."

Fernando Alonso got in on the act too, defending Schumacher's decision to return on the basis that he seemed to be enjoying it, while Bruno Senna revealed that he clearly remembers that Spa debut, much to the surprise of Jerome d'Ambrosio who was surprised to learn that the Brazilian is now 27!

But among all of the column inches generated by Schumacher's relative lack of results since coming back to the sport at the start of last season, it's worth reflecting on the fact that a driver is still competing at the top level of grand prix racing 20 years after his debut. This is unprecedented in the world championship era.

It's a funny thing symmetry, so who would bet against the 42-year-old rolling back the years and claiming the podium finish that he might have claimed back in 1991 had the car held together?

Aside from Schumacher's celebrations, it was largely business as usual. Mark Webber insisting that his remaining at Red Bull is not a foregone conclusion and then reminding everyone, team-mate Sebastian Vettel included, that he has not given up on the world championship.

Webber had plenty to say about his rivals on Thursday © LAT

"In terms of having five, six or seven victories on the bounce," said Webber. "I think that is not going to happen. I think it will be more spread out."

Webber then suggested that Vettel could be caught in the title race, adding that "I am looking at getting involved as well" - a reminder that the Australian has not won since last year's Hungarian Grand Prix, despite bagging three pole positions this year.

For the other title contenders, it was the same old refrain. Alonso wasn't writing off his chances, Lewis Hamilton had the air of a man who wished he had a Red Bull under him and Jenson Button was as relaxed as ever.

But all four of Vettel's pursuers in the world championship, who range from 85 to 100 points adrift, know that their window of opportunity has opened. The German is way ahead, but with Spa not the perfect Red Bull track (despite its pole position last year) and the upcoming Monza is it's worst nightmare, a couple of wins could set up a late title fight.

Right now, there's only one man in it...and you feel that this is a championship that is his to lose, not others' to win.