Track configurations Original layout Įau Rouge and Raidillon in 1997, with a maximum gradient in excess of 18%ĭesigned in 1920 by Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, the original course used public roads linking the Belgian towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. ĭespite its name, the circuit is not in Spa but lies in the vicinity of the town of Francorchamps within the boundaries of the municipality of Stavelot, with a part in the boundaries of Malmedy. The circuit has undergone several redesigns through its history, most extensively in 1979 when the track was modified and shortened from a 14.100 km (8.761 mi) circuit using public roads to a 7.004 km (4.352 mi) permanent circuit due to safety concerns with the old circuit. It is also home to the Uniroyal Fun Cup 25 Hours of Spa, one of the longest motor races in the world. Spa also hosts several other international events including the 24 Hours of Spa, the World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It is the current venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, hosting its first Grand Prix in 1925, and has held a Grand Prix every year since 1985 (except 20). The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps ( French pronunciation: ), frequently referred to as Spa, is a 7.004 km (4.352 mi) motor-racing circuit located in Stavelot, Belgium. Jules de Thier & Henri Langlois Van Ophemīelgian Grand Prix (intermittently 1925–1970, 1983–present) Meanwhile Red Bull mechanics had been busy repairing Perez’s car and after detailed dialogue between Red Bull and the race stewards the team were told Perez could compete at the back of the grid. Thirty years ago at the same circuit, Schumacher’s father Michael took the first steps on the road to becoming a F1 legend, picking up a spare drive for Jordan when the team’s French driver Bertrand Gachot was otherwise engaged serving a prison sentence for assault. Track officials played petanque on a gravel run-off area.Īnd Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin’s four-time former world champion, showed a neat touch in a two-a-side game of football against a Haas selection led by Mick Schumacher in the pits. Despite huge advances in car safety, organisers will have been very mindful of ensuring conditions were safe enough to resume at one of F1’s most demanding port-of-calls.ĭuring the delay drivers busied themselves filling in the wait in different ways - Russell taking to Twitter, Antonio Giovinazzi taking a nap on some Alfa Romeo crates, and Ricciardo leading a Mexican wave in the pitlane stand. Organisers were anxiously watching their weather monitors and the sky for a break in the weather, notoriously mercurial at the majestic circuit.Īpproaching two hours after the scheduled start the rain had still not relented. Persistent heavy rain forced a further indefinite delay. We can’t race,” Alpine’s Fernando Alonso said. The first attempt at racing came half an hour after the official start time with the safety car gingerly leading the 19 remaining cars on a formation lap.īut with drivers like McLaren’s Lando Norris complaining of lack of visibility the red flag was raised signalling a suspension of the start procedure. You couldn’t really see five metres in front of you, the car in front was disappearing.” It was unfortunately just a disaster on the track. You really couldn’t see the car in front of you. “I love racing in the rain, but today was different.
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