Spa-Francorchamps facts for kids
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| Location | Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium |
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| Time zone | GMT +1 (DST: GMT +2) |
| Major events | FIA Formula One Belgian Grand Prix Spa 24 Hours, Spa 1000km, DTM |
| Modern Circuit (2007–present) | |
| Length | 7.004 km (4.352 mi) |
| Turns | 20 |
| Race lap record | 1:47.263 ( Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 2009) |
| Modern Circuit (2004-2006) | |
| Length | 6.976 km (4.335 mi) |
| Turns | 19 |
| Race lap record | 1:45.108 ( Kimi Räikkönen, McLaren, 2004) |
| Modern Circuit (1994) | |
| Length | 7.001 km (4.350 mi) |
| Turns | 19 |
| Race lap record | 1:57.117 ( Damon Hill, Williams, 1994) |
| Modern Circuit (1981-1993, 1995-2003) | |
| Length | 6.968 km (4.330 mi) |
| Turns | 19 |
| Race lap record | 1:47.176 ( Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2002) |
| Modern Circuit (1979-1980) | |
| Length | 6.947 km (4.317 mi) |
| Turns | 17 |
| Old Circuit (1947–1978) | |
| Length | 14.1 km (8.761 mi) |
| Turns | 21 |
| Race lap record | 3:13.4 ( Henri Pescarolo, Matra, 1973 WSC) |
| Original pre-War Circuit (1921–1939) | |
| Length | 14.9 km (9.31 mi) |
| Turns | 25 |
| Race lap record | 5:04.1 ( Hermann Lang, Daimler Benz, 1937) |
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a famous race track in Belgium. It is known for hosting exciting races like the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix. It also hosts long-distance races such as the Spa 24 Hours and the 1000 km Spa. Many racing drivers and fans love this circuit.
This track is one of the most challenging in the world. It has many fast sections, hills, and tricky turns. This makes it a real test for drivers and their cars.
Contents
History of the Track
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was designed in 1920. Two people, Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, created the original layout. The very first car race on the circuit happened in 1922.
In 1924, the first 24 Hours of Francorchamps race took place. This race is still famous today as the Spa 24 Hours. The circuit was first used for Grand Prix motor racing in 1925. Over the years, the track has changed its shape and length several times to make it safer and more exciting for racing.
Key Features of the Circuit
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is famous for some of its unique sections. These parts of the track are well-known among racing fans.
Eau Rouge and Raidillon
One of the most famous parts of the track is called Eau Rouge and Raidillon. This is a very fast uphill section with a sharp turn. Drivers have to go through it at very high speed. It takes a lot of skill and bravery to get it right.
Bus Stop Chicane
Another important part is the "Bus Stop Chicane." This is a slow, twisty section right before the main straight. It was added to slow cars down before they entered the pit lane. This makes the racing safer.
Major Races at Spa
The circuit hosts several big international races every year.
Formula One Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is a highlight of the Formula One season. It is one of the oldest and most respected races in Formula One. Drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won here many times.
Endurance Races
Spa-Francorchamps is also home to important endurance races. The Spa 24 Hours is a race where teams compete for a full day and night. The 1000 km Spa is another long-distance race. These events test the cars and drivers to their limits.
Images for kids
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The original 15 km track layout
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The quicker 14 km track layout
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Eau Rouge and Raidillon in 1997, with a maximum gradient in excess of 18%
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Map of the old and new (2004–2006) Spa circuits, overlaid
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A Porsche 904 GTS turning into La Source in 1965
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A satellite view of the modern circuit
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The "Raidillon" in the Eau Rouge valley
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Red water ("Eau rouge" in French) on the banks of the river close to the circuit
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Original Grand Prix Circuit (1921–1938)
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Old Grand Prix Circuit (1939–1978)
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Modern Grand Prix Circuit (1979–1980)
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Modern Grand Prix Circuit with Original Bus Stop Chicane (1981–1993, 1995–2003)
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Modern Grand Prix Circuit with Modified Bus Stop Chicane (2004–2006)
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Modern Grand Prix with New Pit Lane and Bus Stop Chicane (2007–present)
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See also
In Spanish: Circuito de Spa-Francorchamps para niños
