There’s something wonderful about the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and by extension the Belgian Grand Prix, isn’t there? It’s just a classic race circuit that puts speed before anything else. A proper race track.
In this blog, we find out more about this famous old track, including how you can attend the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps History
When Newspaper owner Jules de Thier and racing car driver Henri Langlois van Ophem decided to host a race and saw Spa-Francorchamps in eastern Belgium was a perfect setting. The circuit was a triangle-shaped track which went out towards the former German-occupied Malmedy, then to Stavelot, then back to Eau Rouge Creek – 9.3 miles in total. The first race was planned for August 1921 – but the event didn’t go ahead as only one car entered…
In 1925, it held its first Grand Prix. The circuit was built for speed, and any modifications that were made in those early years were to make the races faster. The Malmedy chicane was removed, while the U-turn at Eau Rouge was cut short to a faster, sweeping corner.
In the Ardennes Forest, the track was lined with houses, farms and everyday obstacles which has prompted many safety concerns over the years. With 10 racing fatalities during the 1960s, the 1969 Belgian Grand Prix was boycotted by the drivers. Safety improvements were made to the track for the first time in 1970 – with Armco barriers replacing hay bales and a temporary chicane installed at Malmedy.
It wasn’t enough, and the 1971 Belgian Grand Prix was cancelled. Formula One wouldn’t return to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps until 1983. Then in 1985 the Belgian Grand Prix was postponed because the new track surface broke – it had been put down to help with the wet weather, but as it turned out, it was incredibly hot.
From 2000 the track was removed from the public roads, then the Bus Stop Chicane was re-profiled in 2004, before a €19 million renovation in 2007 introduced a new circuit layout. In 2020 a further €80 million was invested, with gravel traps added to make it suitable for motorcycle races.
What is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps like?
In short, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is an exciting, but dangerous race track – as it always has been. With the unpredictable weather, the high speeds, the fast corners and the fact that for a long time it was also used for public roads, it’s a thrilling and unique race track, with the beautiful backdrop in the Ardennes region.
It’s said that only the truly brilliant drivers, like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, were able to master it.
Memorable Moments on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
There have been plenty of memorable moments at the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps over the years. Unfortunately many of them have involved crashes. The 1960 Belgian Grand Prix is known as one of the darkest weekends in Formula One history. Tragically Chris Bristow and Alan Stacey were killed in separate crashes while Stirling Moss was severely injured during practice and Mike Taylor was involved in a career-ending crash.
The following year, Jackie Stewart was involved in a major crash which inspired his campaign to improve safety for Formula One drivers.
In 1998 Michael Schumacher ran into the back of David Coulthard in an incident that infuriated the German so much he chased Coulthard claiming he tried to kill him! Schumacher has happier memories of the Belgian GP, though – in 2001 he won his record-breaking 52nd Grand Prix there.
Lewis Hamilton, in 2008, survived the last two laps in torrential rain to win the race, only to have it taken away – he was adjudged to have cut a corner at the Bus Stop chicane and given a 25 second penalty, putting him in third.
How to get tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix
Fancy watching a Grand Prix with top speeds of around 200 mph? Well, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps could be the venue for you! We offer incredible packages that include official tickets as well as great accommodation, in either Brussels or Liege. You’ll also have transfers to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and our reps will be on hand to help make your trip hassle free.
If you are interested in one of our Belgium Grand Prix packages, call us now on 0333 2309115 or contact us.
You might also like
More from Motorsports
The Ultimate Guide to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is integral to the Formula One season…
From the Österreichring to the Red Bull Ring: The history of the Austrian Grand Prix…
The Red Bull Ring, home to the Austrian Grand Prix, is one of the most picturesque and beautiful race tracks in the world…
The incredible history of the Hungaroring circuit
The Hungarian Grand Prix is always an important date in the Formula 1 calendar. It has produced so many memorable races over the years, and the Hungaroring track on which it is held has a fascinating history.
