Circuit History

Three routes to create a circuit

At the end of the first World War, the chevalier Jules de Thier, owner of the Liège newspaper La Meuse, was looking for a site to revive the La Meuse Cup, a car race that had been interrupted by World War 1 from 1914-1918. Following a meeting at the Hotel des Bruyères, in Francorchamps, with the Baron Joseph de Crawhez (burgomaster of Spa) and the racing-car driver Henri Langlois van Ophem, it was decided that the triangle formed by the routes 32, 23 and 440 connecting Spa-Francorchamps to Malmédy and Stavelot constituted an ideal circuit.

Motorbikes replace cars

The first car race was scheduled for the month of August 1921 on a track that was 15.820 km in length. Unfortunately, only one driver registered. The event was thus replaced by a race which gathered together 23 motorbikes and was won by Hassal on a Norton 500cc at an average speed of 90 km/hr.

The first RACB Grand Prix

One year later, the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium organised its "Belgian GP" at Francorchamps, an endurance race for cars won by the Baron de Tornaco-Bruyère in an Impéria-Abadal at an average speed of 88.900 km/hr.

Antonio Ascari in an Alfa Romeo won the European GP.

After the construction of a timing booth, of a scoreboard and a Press stand, the RACB organised the first edition of the 24 Hours of Francorchamps.

The European GP at Spa

Antonio Ascari in an Alfa Romeo won the European GP.

Tarmacking of the track

To avoid stones being thrown up, the dirt track had tarmac laid down.

Creation of the Raidillon

The removal of the old Customs bend and the construction of a spectacular curve whuich was baptised the Raidillon, more often called the Eau Rouge bend by foreigners. This fast curve with a steep (17%) incline was going to contribute to the international reputation of the circuit and was soon to become the most exciting bend on the calendar.

Wimille, first post-War winner

After seven years of interruption because of World War 2, racing started again with the European GP of International Formula won by Jean-Pierre Wimille in an Alfa Romeo.

Creation of an Inter-Communal Circuit structure

Fangio wins the first Belgian Formula 1 GP

Enlargement of the circuit (from 6m to 9m) and creation of the Stavelot bend

Installation of the first safety rails

Renaissance of the 24 Hours of Francorchamps for Touring cars

Rodriguez carries off the final F1 Grand Prix on the old long track

The Mexican Pedro Rodriguez won the 29th and final Belgian F1 GP organised on the long track at an average speed of 241 km/hr. Under the leadership of the champion Jackie Stewart, the F1 drivers' association then declared that Francorchamps was too dangerous and impracticable.

The world speed record of Pescarolo at an average 262.461 km/hr

During free practice for the 1000 km of Francorchamps, the Frenchman Henri Pescarolo set what remains today a speed record for a lap of the circuit at the wheel of his prototype Matra at an average 262.461 km/hr.

Inauguration of the new 6.9 km-long circuit

Creation of what is still called the "new portion" between Combes and the new Paul Frère bend. The length of the new circuit was brought up to 6.947 km.

Return of the F1

For its return to Francorchamps, the Belgian GP was won by the Frenchman Alain Prost in a Renault.

The Motorbike GP deserts Francorchamps

For safety reasons the FMI decided to no longer organise Motorbike GP races at Francorchamps.

Semi-permanent circuit

As traffic was forbidden from March to October, the Circuit became semi-permanent. Then very quickly permanent with 220 days of operation annually. Because of the prohibition on tobacco advertising, the F1 GP was cancelled.

Creation of the new pits

A budget of 15 million Euro was earmarked for the creation of new facilities with, in particular, pits conforming to the new FIA standards. After a year of absence, the F1 returned to Francorchamps. Very popular with organisers and drivers, pros or amateurs, from the world over, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps constitutes today a great example in terms of modernity and safety while continuing to hold onto its naturally virile character.