Circuit de Spa Francorchamps
The Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, nestled in the picturesque Ardennes Forest in Belgium, is one of the oldest, most renowned and notorious race tracks in the world. Its history reflects a fascinating journey through the development of motorsport, spanning more than a century and marked by spectacular races, unforgettable moments technical challenges as well as unfathomable tragedies.
Fun fact: In 1918, the Eau Rouge creek was separating the German Empire from Belgium. Yes, the Eau Rouge creek is also namesake to one of the world's most famous corners!
The Beginnings (1920s)
The origins of Spa Francorchamps date back to the early 1920s. Belgian motorsport enthusiasts - among them a newspaper publisher, actual racing driver and others - sought to create a race track that would reflect both the passion for speed and the scenic beauty of the Ardennes. The first version of the circuit opened in 1921, with the inaugural race, the 24 Hours of Spa, taking place in 1924. At this time, the track was made up of public roads, used by both locals and professionals.
Development in the 1930s
During the 1930s, the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps began to grow in prominence, becoming a fixture in international motorsport. The original layout, which consisted of paved roads, was modified repeatedly to meet the growing demands of motorsport. The first major event was the Belgian Grand Prix in 1925, which became one of the most prestigious races of the year.
The circuit, which was approximately 14 kilometres long at the time, featured long straights and challenging corners. The famous Eau Rouge corner, which would later become one of the track’s most iconic elements, was introduced in 1939 as a defining feature of the layout.
The Golden Years (1950s – 1960s)
After World War II, Spa Francorchamps entered its golden era. In the 1950s and 1960s, the circuit was considered one of the most challenging and dangerous in the world. It attracted the best drivers and hosted some of the most exciting races, including the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, which began regularly taking place at Spa Francorchamps from 1950.
The track remained largely unchanged over the following decades, and drivers came to appreciate the challenge it presented. The high difficulty level, particularly the legendary Eau Rouge corner, which sits on a steep incline with a near 90-degree bend, made Spa Francorchamps a true test of a driver’s skill and bravery.
If you want to truly experience what Spa Francorchamps must have felt like during the period, you have to watch the movie "Grand Prix" - its impressive and scary at the same time!
Modernisation (1970s – 1980s)
In the late 1960s and 1970s, safety concerns began to play an increasingly significant role in motorsport. Spa Francorchamps, like many other tracks of the era, was notorious for its hazardous sections. The high speeds and lack of modern safety measures led to several serious accidents, including tragic fatalities. As a result, the circuit underwent significant changes in 1979.
Those concerns lead to Spa being banned from the Formula 1 calendar in after 1970. Only after vast modernisation efforts, the track superseded Zolder - which took its place - in 1983 to become the Belgian Grand Prix once again.
The most notable and controversial modification was the reduction of the track’s length from its original 14 kilometres to around 7 kilometres. The famous Masta corner was removed, and a new layout was introduced to improve safety. This change, while necessary, disappointed many motorsport fans and drivers, as it stripped the circuit of some of its original character and challenges.
The Revival (1990s – Present)
By the late 1980s, Spa Francorchamps had fallen into the background as many other tracks were modernised and new safety standards were introduced. However, in the 1990s, the circuit experienced a revival. The Belgian state invested in upgrading the track to meet modern motorsport requirements. Not only was the track technically improved, but its infrastructure was also enhanced.
As mentioned before, Formula 1 returned in 1983 after a hiatus, and in the following years, the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps grew into one of the most beloved and spectacular race venues in the world. The Belgian Grand Prix became a highlight of the Formula 1 season, largely due to the challenging yet breathtaking nature of the circuit, with corners like Eau Rouge, Blanchimont, and La Source becoming legendary.
Spa Francorchamps Today
Today, Spa remains one of the premier motorsport venues globally. It is not only a regular fixture on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar but also hosts other significant events such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The circuit has established itself as a true gem in the world of motorsport and is a mecca for racing fans from all over the globe.
The unique challenges and beauty of the track make it one of the most iconic and beloved circuits in motorsport. Spa Francorchamps continues to be a source of fascination for drivers and fans alike, showcasing how motorsport has evolved over decades while retaining its magical atmosphere and charm.
The history of the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps is a living testament to the passion and development of motorsport – a circuit that continues to write new chapters in the sport’s history and delights us with its legendary races and spectacular moments.
What we think about it
Well, what can we say? Spa Francorchamps is and always will be one of our all time favourites. It took hard work and dedication to establish GP Days as an organiser as one of the world's most famous venues and we are still grateful to this day to be one of the selected partners to work with this amazing circuit.
As a driver, I can only say that Spa has been my go-to track. From the moment I experienced it virtually in one of the first Formula 1 games, to then driving it for the first time in real life. Nothing compares to Spa Francorchamps!
