Spa-Francorchamps

race track in Spa, Belgium

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]

Spa-Francorchamps
Coordinates: 50°26′14″N 5°58′17″E / 50.43722°N 5.97139°E / 50.43722; 5.97139
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Formula One Layout
Location Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium
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 (Germany Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 2009)
Modern Circuit (2004-2006)
Circuit Length 6.976 km (4.335 mi)
Turns 19
Lap Record 1:45.108 (Finland Kimi Räikkönen, McLaren, 2004 )
Modern Circuit (1994)
Circuit Length 7.001 km (4.350 mi)
Turns 19
Lap Record 1:57.117 (United Kingdom Damon Hill, Williams, 1994 )
Modern Circuit (1981-1993, 1995-2003)
Circuit Length 6.968 km (4.330 mi)
Turns 19
Lap Record 1:47.176 (Germany Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2002 )
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 (France Henri Pescarolo, Matra, 1973 WSC )

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]

References

change
  1. Hamilton, Maurice (2008-11-05). "Belgian GP: different strokes". Top Gear. Archived from the original on 2012-07-16. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Circuit History". Circuit de Spa Francorchamps. Archived from the original on 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2011-01-22.