Spa-Francorchamps through the years - Part 1 - News from FIA GT1 World Championship - Official Site

29/07/2010

Spa-Francorchamps through the years - Part 1

Renowned for its speed, spectacular corners, and elevation changes the world-famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit is regarded as one of the world’s greatest racing circuits.  Situated in the Ardennes forest in Belgium, the circuit has played host to some of motorsports all-time classic races, thanks largely to the regions unpredictable weather.

In its early days, the Spa circuit stretched 14km through narrow and hilly roads creating a triangle between the three towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. Originally designed by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem in 1920, the circuit was undeniably built for speed.

The track was initiated into the world of motorsports in 1922 with motorcycle racing. In 1924, Spa hosted the now renowned 24 Hours of Francorchamps and the first Belgian Grand Prix a year later.

The drivers who won at Spa in those years exemplified that the circuit was built for the most qualified and fearless drivers, Antonio Ascari, TazioNuvolari, and Rudi Caraciola to name a few.

As with most tracks, Spa lost seven years of racing to the world war when it became part of the battlefield during the Battle of the Bulge, the German counterattack against the invading Allies in the winter of 1944-45.

1947 saw the return of motorsport to the area where the circuit remained a prominent figure in the racing world.

Until 1979 when the circuit was shortened, the sheer length of the track meant that the drivers not only had to withstand the constant high speeds and treacherous corners, but also the unpredictable Ardennes weather. The ultra-high speed track along with the often stormy conditions made Spa one of the most dangerous tracks in the world, a claim that would come to prove itself through the years.

The original circuit

The triangular circuit ran from just below the village of Francorchamps, along the valley of a stream called Eau Rouge and stretching up to the peak of the hills at Les Combes.  The steep uphill Eau Rouge corner propels drivers into a swift left-right-left combination with a blind summit and remains arguable the most difficult and most famous complex in motorsport today.

As cars have developed to incorporate greater down force levels, the corner must be taken flat out to reach a maximum speed onto the following straights, an opportune moment to overtake on the track. 

Eau Rouge has claimed the lives of multiple drivers over the years.  During the 1985 Spa 1000km WEC sportscar race, rising German star Stefan Bellof lost his life attempting to over taking Derek Bell while Guy Renard was killed during the 24 Hour of Spa in 1990.

Once through Eau Rouge, the track continued into a long curling downhill section through the village of Burnenville to the junction to Malmedy, and towards the Masta Straight. Upon return it went down the valley floor to the village of Masta.

The track was briefly interrupted by the Masta Kink before heading down another long straight towards the nearby town of Stavelot. The Masta Kink, a high speed left-right chicane required the utmost driver skill and maneuverability to make a successful exit.

The Kink was removed from the F1 circuit in 1970 following a cry from drivers demanding improved safety. The tirade was led by Jackie Stewart who, a few years earlier, had ended upside down in the cellar of the farmhouse outside of the corner. 

While the circuit was adored by fans for the excitement and adrenaline it created, drivers were less than thrilled by the prospect. Eventually change was enforced by drivers refusing to race at Spa.   

A new circuit layout was unveiled in 1979, a mere image of its predecessor.  However, its status as a quick and demanding circuit remained intact.

- Jordan Peckler 

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