THE CIRCUIT
CIRCUIT DE SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS
What’s not to love about one of Europe’s classic tracks? Only the truly great drivers conquer Spa, with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher among those to master this magical circuit. Add in the wonderful setting of the Ardennes forest and it’s no surprise that it’s a fan favourite.
Belgium
CIRCUIT LENGTH
7.004 km
NUMBER OF LAPS
44
RACE DISTANCE
308.052 km
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Ardennes region and surrounded by coniferous forest is the historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, home of the Belgian Grand Prix. Designed in 1920, the original circuit used public roads to link the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot, and hosted its first non-championship Grand Prix in 1925 before becoming one of only seven circuits that were part of Formula 1’s inaugural championship in 1950.
What’s the circuit like?
Spa is among Formula 1 drivers’ most loved tracks, with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners allowing them to push their cars to the edge of their capabilities – if it’s dry, that is. The size of the track and the nature of Belgian weather means it can sometimes be raining on one part of the track and dry on another, meaning grip can vary from one corner to the next. Keep an eye on the thrilling Eau Rouge, arguably the most famous sequence of corners in the world, as the drivers flick left, right and then up the hill through Raidillon.
When was the track built?
Having hosted a non-championship Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, Belgium’s iconic circuit was one of just seven to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950. That race was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who led home an Alfa Romeo one-two ahead of teammate Nino Farina.
When was its first Grand Prix?
The original, triangle-shaped track was built in 1921, with designers Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem using public roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot to create an amazing 14.9km circuit taking in the forests and rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region. The track was redeveloped in 1979, and although the new circuit is only half the original's length, it’s still the longest on the current calendar at 7.004km.
