Spa Francorchamps Formula One Race Track in Belgium

Spa Francorchamps - Popular with Drivers and Spectators

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps of Belgium has been described by many as the world's top motor racing circuit. Host of the renowned Formula One Belgian Grand Prix as well as the Spa 24 hours race, Spa-Francorchamps winds its way along the magnificent Ardennes mountains. A wonderfully challenging course with the famed Eau Rouge compelex, the Spa-Francorchamps Formula One circuit is thoroughly enjoyed by F1 drivers and spectators.

In 1920 Jule de Thier and Henri Langlois Van Ophem came up with the idea of forming a race track in the quite village of Francorchamps. A triangular circuit was designed along the roads that joined Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot. The new racing circuit of Spa-Francorchamps was set-up for racing in August 1921. Only one competitor registered so the circuit had to be inaugurated by motorcyclists. 1922 was different as motorists began racing on the young track. The exciting 24 Hours of Francorchamps race was established in 1924 and it was also in that year that the Belgian Grand Prix was held at the circuit. The European Grand Prix took place at the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in 1925. Antonio Ascari in his Alfa Romeo gained the victory that year.

World War Two brought a stop to racing at Spa-Francorchamps which actually witnesses the Battle of Bulge. Fortunately though, racing came back to the F1 circuit in 1947. As time progressed the Spa race track was considered too fast. In 1960 Chris Bristow and Alan Stacey were killed on the track. Jackie Stewart began a campaign to improve safety at Spa-Francorchamps and for a time the Grand Prix was rather held at Nivelles circuit. 1973 was also marred by the death of 3 drivers during the Spa 24 Hours. It was then decided that the track would be redesigned. Finally in 1983 the Spa-Francorchamps was permitted to host F1 again. Today it plays a major part in the world championships.

Spa-Francorchamps F1 circuit has had several modifications over time. Presently it covers a distance of 6.968 km or 4.333 miles with 21 turns. Guiding drivers through the beautiful Ardennes, it is possible to reach speeds greater than 330 km/h. The most impressive section of the Spa-Francochamps circuit is the renowned Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination. Following the La Source hairpin the skilled F1 drivers head down a straight where they hit a steep uphill with left-right-left corners and a blind summit.

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was not included on the 2006 Formula One calendar as certain improvements were not yet made due to financial problems. However the circuit will once again be on the 2007 calendar with a few changes to the layout.