HISTORY OF THE CIRCUIT

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic and historic racetracks in motorsport, known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty through the Ardennes Forest. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Early days (1920s–1930s)
In the early 1920s, Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois Van Ophem designed the original track using public roads that connected Spa, Malmedy, and Stavelot. Initially, the circuit hosted its first motorcycle race in 1921, with the inaugural car race following a year later. Spa quickly earned a reputation for its thrilling, fast-paced layout through the forests and its challenging turns.

The first endurance race and classic Layout (1930s)
By 1924, the 24 Hours of Spa was born, becoming a cornerstone of endurance racing. The original 15 km layout, using public roads, was revered for its high-speed sections and natural beauty. Over the years, the circuit gained international fame for being one of the fastest and most exciting courses of its era, though its lack of safety measures also made it treacherous.

Post-war racing (1940s–1960s)
After World War II, Spa continued to host major motorsport events, including the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix starting in 1950. Its combination of high-speed straights and demanding corners like Eau Rouge made it both a favourite among drivers and one of the most dangerous circuits in the world. The unpredictable Ardennes weather, coupled with minimal safety features, contributed to its reputation for high-risk racing.

Shorter layout (1970s–1980s)
Due to the track's dangers, especially after several fatal accidents in the 1960s, Spa was reimagined. In 1979, the circuit was significantly shortened to 7 km, making it safer while preserving its essence. Famous sections like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont were kept, ensuring the track retained its thrilling character. The updates allowed Spa to continue as a top venue for F1, endurance races, and other motorsport events.

Modern era (1990s–Present)
Since its redesign, Spa has remained a favourite for drivers and fans alike, hosting a wide array of events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the legendary 24 Hours of Spa. The circuit continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements focused on safety, all while maintaining the exciting challenge it offers.

Famous corners

• Eau Rouge/Raidillon: A globally recognized, adrenaline-pumping uphill section that tests drivers' skill and bravery.
• Blanchimont: A fast and challenging corner near the end of the lap that demands precision.
• La Source: A tight hairpin right after the start, leading to the long downhill run into Eau Rouge.
• Pouhon: A fast, sweeping downhill left-hander who requires complete commitment.

FIA WEC 6 Hours of Spa

The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most important races on the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar. As a lead-up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race results often reflect key insights into team performance, car reliability, and driver form for the rest of the season.

The most recent overall winners:

2020: Toyota Gazoo Racing (Mariá López, Conway, Kobayashi)
2021: Toyota Gazoo Racing (Buemi, Hartley, Nakajima)
2022: Toyota Gazoo Racing (Mariá López, Conway, Kobayashi)
2023: Toyota Gazoo Racing (Mariá López, Conway, Kobayashi)
2024: Hertz Team Jota (Illott, Stevens)