Spa-Francorchamps
Coordinates: 50°26′14″N 5°58′17″E / 50.43722°N 5.97139°E
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours and 1000 km Spa endurance races. It is also home to the all Volkswagen club event, 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world. This is mainly because of its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans.[1]
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| Location | Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium | |
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| Time zone | GMT +1 (DST: GMT +2) | |
| Major Events | FIA Formula One Belgian Grand Prix Spa 24 Hours, Spa 1000km, DTM | |
| Modern Circuit (2007–present) | ||
| Circuit Length | 7.004 km (4.352 mi) | |
| Turns | 20 | |
| Lap Record | 1:47.263 ( Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 2009)
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| Modern Circuit (2004-2006) | ||
| Circuit Length | 6.976 km (4.335 mi) | |
| Turns | 19 | |
| Lap Record | 1:45.108 ( Kimi Räikkönen, McLaren, 2004 )
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| Modern Circuit (1994) | ||
| Circuit Length | 7.001 km (4.350 mi) | |
| Turns | 19 | |
| Lap Record | 1:57.117 ( Damon Hill, Williams, 1994 )
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| Modern Circuit (1981-1993, 1995-2003) | ||
| Circuit Length | 6.968 km (4.330 mi) | |
| Turns | 19 | |
| Lap Record | 1:47.176 ( Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2002 )
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| Modern Circuit (1979-1980) | ||
| Circuit Length | 6.947 km (4.317 mi) | |
| Turns | 17 | |
| Old Circuit (1947–1978) | ||
| Circuit Length | 14.1 km (8.761 mi) | |
| Turns | 21 | |
| Lap Record | 3:13.4 ( Henri Pescarolo, Matra, 1973 WSC )
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The track was designed in 1920 by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem.[2] The first car race was held at the circuit in 1922. 1924 was the first running of the now famous 24 Hours of Francorchamps race.[2] The circuit was first used for Grand Prix racing in 1925.[2]
Spa-Francorchamps Media
Logo Circuit de Spa Francorchamps
The original 15 km track layout
The quicker 14 km track layout
Eau Rouge and Raidillon in 1997, with a maximum gradient in excess of 18%
Map of the old and new (2004–2006) Spa circuits, overlaid
A Porsche 904 GTS turning into La Source in 1965
A satellite view of the modern circuit
The "Raidillon" in the Eau Rouge valley
Red water ("Eau rouge" in French) on the banks of the river close to the circuit
Spa Francorchamps Kemmel Straight
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References
- ↑ Hamilton, Maurice (2008-11-05). "Belgian GP: different strokes". Top Gear. Archived from the original on 2012-07-16. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Circuit History". Circuit de Spa Francorchamps. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
