The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps sits in the picturesque Ardennes Forest, in the Spa region of Belgium. It first hosted a race in 1921, and the circuit has hosted the Belgian Grand Prix on and off since the first world championship season in 1950.
The original layout was huge. Organisers have since shortened the circuit from 8.7 miles (14.1 km) to 4.3 miles (7 km), because the old track ran through the countryside and past towns. Moreover, a series of new corners now replaces those parts and rejoins the old circuit on the straight leading up to Blanchimont.
Drivers and fans love this classic circuit, but people feared it in the past. It had fast straights along public roads and sweeping turns in unpredictable weather, and that combination often caused serious incidents. Furthermore, organisers shortened the track in 1979 to its current length following a series of fatal accidents in the 1960s and 1970s.
Today the circuit is much safer, although it remains very fast and demanding. Bigger run-offs and gravel traps now guard La Source, Raidillon, Blanchimont, Les Combes and Stavelot.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Track
The lap starts at La Source, a slow hairpin, and runs downhill to the most famous corner in Formula 1. Eau Rouge and Raidillon form a left-right-left sequence that drivers take almost flat out, and it ends in a steep climb onto the Kemmel Straight. That long slipstream zone lets cars overtake into the Les Combes chicane.
Meanwhile, the straight towards Turn 4 is another place for the brave to attempt an overtake before the abrupt uphill right turn to Turn 6. Turn 7 is a long 180-degree corner that leads to the awkward Turns 8 and 9, where drivers need the kerbs to maximise their cornering speeds.
After that, Turns 10, 11, 12 and 13 are a fun series of medium and high-speed sections where mistakes can easily happen. The downhill Turn 14 leads to another 180-degree turn, Turn 15, and then comes a short straight, a final 180-degree turn and a blast to the start-finish line.
Blanchimont, a very fast left-hander, leads into the Bus Stop chicane before the finish line. Spa creates its own weather, so it can rain on one part of the circuit while the rest stays dry. At 7.004 kilometres, it is also the longest circuit in Formula 1.
Overall, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is 7.004 kilometres (4.352 miles) long with 19 corners, and the race runs for 44 laps.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Fast Facts
| Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Belgian Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps |
| Location | Stavelot, Belgium |
| Lap Length | 7.004 km (4.352 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 44 |
| Race Distance | 308.052 km (191.415 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 19 |
| First Grand Prix | 1950 |
Conclusion
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps stands out for its length, Eau Rouge and Raidillon, and its changeable weather, so every lap feels like an event. When you need race times, session times, results or official notices, turn to our Formula 1 hub, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?
It is in Stavelot, Belgium, so the lap runs through the Ardennes Forest.
How Long Is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?
One lap is 7.004 km (4.352 miles), so a full race of 44 laps adds up to 308.052 km (191.415 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Belgian Grand Prix Have?
The cars run 44 laps, so they cover 308.052 km (191.415 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Does Spa-Francorchamps Have?
The lap has 19 corners, but the Kemmel Straight into Les Combes is the best place to pass.
When Did Formula 1 First Race at Spa-Francorchamps?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 1950, although the circuit first hosted a race in 1921.
Which Circuit Is the Longest in Formula 1?
Spa-Francorchamps, because a lap there is 7.004 km.
How Long Was the Original Spa Circuit?
The original public-road circuit was about 14 km long, but organisers shortened it in 1979 to just over 7 km.
