Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the famous venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the SPA 24 Hours endurance race.

Related Topics:
Formula One - Belgian Grand Prix - SPA 24 Hours

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Designed by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, the original 9.3 mile course wound through public roads between the Belgian towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot. The Belgian Grand Prix was held at Spa-Francorchamps for the first time in 1924. Over the years, the Spa course has been modified several times and today it has been shortened to 4.3 miles and is a fast and hilly route through the Ardennes where speeds in excess of 330 km/h can be reached. Since inception, the place has been famous for its unpredictable weather. Frequently drivers confront a part of the course that is clear and bright while another stretch is rainy and slippery.

Related Topics:
Francorchamps - Malmedy - Stavelot - 1924 - Ardennes

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Drivers and fans alike love races at Spa-Francorchamps. A dull race at Spa is very rare, and most drivers today say that the course is one of the two most challenging race tracks in the world (in addition to Japan's Suzuka Circuit).

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The most famous part of the circuit is the Eau Rouge / Raidillon combination. Drivers race, having negotiated the La Source hairpin, down a straight before being launched uphill into a sweeping left-right-left collection of corners (the first of which is the actual Eau Rouge bend, the rest of the climb being called Raidillon) with a blind summit. The challenge for drivers has always been to take Eau Rouge-Raidillon flat out. However, some say this is now very easy thanks to modifications made to the circuit, and the technology of modern Formula One cars.

Related Topics:
Hairpin - Formula One cars

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The circuit was left out of the 2003 calendar due to Belgian tobacco legislation. Upon Formula One's return in 2004 drivers and spectators were surprised to find out that the famous Bus Stop chicane at the end of the circuit had been reprofiled. Some wondered whether it was possible to overtake at the new chicane, but Juan Pablo Montoya proved doubters wrong during the race, performing a spectacular pass on World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Related Topics:
2003 calendar - 2004 - Juan Pablo Montoya - Michael Schumacher

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