BOOK NOW FOR SPA 2024!
When: Friday 26th July - Sunday 28th July 2024
Where: Spa Francorchamps, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium
Memorable Moments:
- Nico Rosberg crashes into Lewis Hamilton on lap 2 of the 2014 race forcing him to retire
- Sebastian Vettel drawing level with Nigel Mansell in the all-time list at just 26 years old
- Protests from Greenpeace activists meant that the 2013 race was almost cancelled
- In 1998, the race was remembered for its torrential driving conditions causing a multi-car pile-up
Many F1 fans consider the Spa Grand Prix to be one of the most beautiful race tracks, providing both drivers and spectators an adrenalin-fuelled day of motor racing. The current Spa Francorchamps circuit is rather technical for the racing teams and drivers as it features a combination of straight lines and dramatic curves. The turns are what makes this race exciting and provides sensational experiences for both drivers and spectators as cars are taking round bends at unimaginable speeds.
In addition to a dramatic track, the Belgian Grand Prix is also renowned for its micro-climate, with some parts of the track remaining bone dry while others are soaking wet. If you're planning to visit, make sure you cater for all weathers.
There are a wide range of facilities available at the circuit but due to the hilly setting expect to come across some inclines to access them.
History
Belgium has been associated with motor racing since the early years, holding its first national race in 1925. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit was built in 1921 to accommodate the demands for Grand Prix motor racing but only motorcycle racing took place here until 1924. The original circuit, measuring 9 miles, was used for the Grand Prix between 1925 and 1939 where Antonio Ascari became the first race winner. However, when he was killed at the French Grand Prix, the Belgian Grand Prix did not return to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit until 1930 when it was modified to bypass the Malmedy Chicane and Louis Chiron won. In 1939, the Eau Rouge Corner was added to the circuit but the wet weather conditions caused major problems and the race was marred by the death of Richard 'Dick' Seaman. Due to the Second World War, the Belgian Grand Prix did not return to Spa-Francorchamps until 1946.
The circuit was adapted again after the war and was shortened to 8.7 miles making it even faster for the competing drivers but Jackie Stewart was opposed to the danger of racing on a circuit that was made up of public roads that passed by people's homes. He demanded for improvements to the circuit to make it safer but the owners didn't want to pay which led to several motor racing teams withdrawing from the race. The Belgian Grand Prix was relocated to Zolder and Nivelles between 1972 and 1982. From 1983, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit was shortened again to 4.3 miles where a variety of obstructions were removed and new corners were added to make it challenging for the drivers. The improved circuit was a big hit with drivers and fans with the first race being won by Alain Prost.
Packages to the Belgian Grand Prix include return coach travel, accommodation with breakfast, hotel-to-venue transfers plus Bronze (General) Admission to the Qualifying Stages and Race Day. Upgrades are also available to the Silver and Gold Stands for a supplement.
2023 Spa Grand Prix Results:
2023 Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
2023 Second Place: Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing)
2023 Third Place: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Address: Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium
How to get there: All packages to visit the Belgian Grand Prix will include return coach travel to and from the circuit. However, should you wish to make your own way, you are advised to leave your hotel early as the main road to the circuit can become heavily congested. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is easily accessible from all major surrounding towns including Maastricht, Brussels, Liege, Charleroi, Paris, Köln and Luxembourg.
If you are travelling from London, you will need to travel by ferry or Eurotunnel, then:
• Join the A16/E402 by the access road to E15/Calais/ A26/Bruxelles Continue along the A16/E40
• Follow the A18/E40
• Follow the A10/E40 towards Brussels
• Take the exit for the E40/Luik - Take R0
• Take the A3/E40 exit for Leuven/Luik
• Follow the direction to Aachen/Verviers, on the A3/E40
• Take the A27/E42 exit for Trier/Verviers (Battice intersection)