Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (The Ultimate guide)

Belgian Spa-Francorschamps Circuit map

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a renowned race track located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. 

It is one of the most challenging and iconic circuits in the world and plays host to the Belgian Grand Prix, a round of the Formula One World Championship. 

The circuit is also used for various motorsports events throughout the year, including endurance races and motorcycle competitions.

Table of Contents

Watch this video to learn more about Spa-Francorchamps.

History and Construction of the Circuit

The history of motorsports at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps dates back to the 1920s, with the first race held on the original 14.9 km circuit in 1924. 

Over the years, the circuit has undergone several changes and renovations, with the current layout measuring 7.004 km in length.

The circuit was completely rebuilt in 1979, and further modifications were made in 2007 and 2019 to improve safety for drivers and spectators.

Circuit Guide

First Grand Prix

1950

Number of Laps

44

Circuit Length

7.004km

Race Distance

308.052km

Lap Record

1:46.286 Valtteri Bottas (2018)

Famous features of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

  • The circuit is known for its high-speed corners, including the famous Eau Rouge and Raidillon turns.
  • The circuit is also famous for its challenging weather conditions, which can change rapidly and affect the outcome of a race.
  • The circuit is one of the longest on the Formula One calendar, taking around 2 minutes and 45 seconds to complete a lap.
  • The circuit has a capacity of around 260,000 spectators.
  • The circuit has a rich history of motorsports and is considered one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
  • It is one of the best Grand Prixes to visit in Formula 1
Belgian Spa-Francorschamps Circuit map

Racing at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a world-renowned motorsports venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The most notable event held at the circuit is the Belgian Grand Prix, which is a round of the Formula One World Championship. The circuit also hosts rounds of the World Endurance Championship, the World Series by Renault, and the Blancpain GT Series.

The track at Spa-Francorchamps is known for its challenging layout and fast straights. The circuit features a variety of technical corners, including the famous Eau Rouge and Raidillon, which put a premium on car handling and driver skill. The long straights also provide opportunities for overtaking, making for exciting and competitive racing.

The circuit has a rich history of motorsports, dating back to the 1920s. Some of the most notable races and moments in the circuit’s history include the first Formula One World Championship race held at Spa in 1950, the epic battles between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in the 1980s, and the comeback victory of Michael Schumacher in 1992 after a serious accident the previous year.

Compared to others Formula 1 circuits

RaceCircuitCircuit lengthRace distanceLaps
Monaco Grand PrixCircuit de Monaco3.337km260.286km78
Dutch Grand PrixCircuit Zandvoort4.259km306.648km72
Austrian Grand PrixRed Bull Ring4.318km306.452km71
Mexican Grand PrixAutodromo Hermanos Rodrígues4.304km305.354km71
Brazilian Grand PrixAutodromo Jose Carlos Pace4.309km305.879km71
Canadian Grand PrixCircuit Gilles-Villeneuve4.361km305.270km70
Hungarian Grand PrixHungaroring4.381km306.630km70
Spanish Grand PrixCircuit de Barcelona-Catalunya4.655km307.104km66
Singapore Grand PrixMarina Bay Street Circuit5.063km308.706km61
Australian Grand PrixMelbourne Grand Prix Circuit – Albert Park5.303km307.574km58
Bahrain Grand PrixBahrain International Circuit5.412km308.238km57
Miami Grand PrixMiami International Autodrome5.410km308.37km57
Chinese Grand PrixShanghai International Circuit5.451km305.066km56
United States Grand PrixCircuit of the Americas5.513km308.405km56
Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYAS Marina Circuit5.554km305.355km55
French Grand PrixCircuit Paul Ricard5.842km309.690km53
Italian Grand PrixAutodromo Nazionale Monza5.793km306.720km53
Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit6.120km305.880km50
Japanese Grand PrixSuzuka International Racing Course5.807km307.471km53
British Grand PrixSilverstone Circuit5.891km306.198km52
Azerbaijan Grand PrixBaku City Circuit6.003km306.049km51
Saudi Arabia Grand PrixJeddah Corniche Circuit6.175km308.750km50
Belgian Grand PrixCircuit de Spa-Francorchamps7.004km308.052km44

Facilities and Amenities

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps offers a variety of facilities and amenities for spectators, teams, and media. Spectators can enjoy grandstand seating with views of various parts of the circuit, as well as general admission areas. The circuit also offers hospitality packages for VIP guests, which include access to exclusive areas and amenities such as reserved seating, gourmet food and drinks, and meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers and teams.

The circuit is located in the Ardennes region of Belgium, making it easy to find nearby hotels and transportation options. The nearest major airports are Brussels and Liege, and the circuit is also accessible by car and train.

Winners at Belgian Grand Prix

These are the drivers who won the Belgian Grand Prix in previous years (from 2010-2022):

  • 2010: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
  • 2011: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
  • 2012: Jenson Button (Mercedes)
  • 2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
  • 2014: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
  • 2015: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2016: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
  • 2017: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2018: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
  • 2019: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
  • 2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
  • 2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

How to bet on the Belgian Grand Prix

Betting on the Belgian Grand Prix can be an exciting way to add an extra layer of excitement to your viewing experience. There are a variety of options available for betting on the race, including wagering on the winner, podium finishes, and even individual lap times.

One popular option is to place a bet with a licensed sportsbook. These websites offer a wide range of markets and odds for the Belgian Grand Prix, and many also offer live betting during the race. It is important to note that sports betting is only legal in certain countries and regions, so be sure to check the laws in your area before placing a bet.

Another option is to participate in a fantasy racing league. These leagues allow you to select a virtual team of drivers and compete against other participants based on the real-life performance of those drivers during the race. This can be a fun way to engage with the race and potentially win prizes, but it is important to make sure you understand the rules and regulations of the league you are joining.

It is also worth considering factors such as the driver’s past performances, their team’s track record, and the current weather conditions when placing your bets. Additionally, research and study the drivers and teams to make an informed decision.

Regardless of how you choose to bet on the Belgian Grand Prix, it is important to remember to always gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

How to buy tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix

Attending the Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for motorsports fans. There are a variety of ticket options available, including grandstand seating and hospitality packages. Tickets can be purchased through the official circuit website or authorized ticketing agents.

Pricing and availability can vary depending on the event and the ticket type. There may also be early bird discounts and promotions offered at certain times. It is recommended to purchase tickets well in advance as they are often sold out closer to the event.

When purchasing tickets, it is important to consider your seating location and the view it offers. Some areas of the circuit may provide better views of the track and the action, so it is a good idea to research different seating options before making a purchase.

The refund, exchange and cancellation policy for the tickets varies depending on the event and the ticket type. It is important to check the terms and conditions before making a purchase to ensure that you understand the policy.

Frequently asked questions about Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

What types of motorsports events are held at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps primarily hosts the Belgian Grand Prix, which is a Formula One race, as well as other international motorsports events such as the World Endurance Championship, and various national and regional motorsports series.

What amenities and facilities are available at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps ?

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps offers a range of amenities and facilities for both spectators and competitors. These include grandstand seating, a variety of hospitality and VIP offerings, and facilities for teams and media. There are also on-site food and beverage options, as well as merchandise shops.

Can I buy tickets to watch the Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps ?

Yes, tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix can be purchased through the official circuit website or authorized ticketing agents. There are a variety of ticket options available, including grandstand seating and hospitality packages, with prices and availability varying depending on the event. Additionally, there are early bird discounts and promotions available. It's recommended to check the official website for more information regarding ticketing.

Conclusion

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a legendary track in the world of motorsports. With its challenging layout, picturesque surroundings, and rich history, it is a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time spectator, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa is an event not to be missed. The circuit continues to be a major player in the world of motorsports and continues to evolve with new developments in the future.

Article sources

Learn more about Formula One

Want to learn more about F1? Then visit our Formula 1 glossary and dictionary.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *