The Brabham-Climax racer had claimed pole over the two days of practice/qualifying, although he did have some work to do after the start as Peter Arundell snatched the lead. A strong start from the second Team Lotus driver had seen him leap into the lead from fourth on the grid through Eau Rouge to lead a Grand Prix for the first time. Yet, the Englishman's joy was to be short lived, with John Surtees sweeping into the lead before the end of the opening tour.