Belgian Formula One Grand Prix

The circuit was conceived in 1921, to host the Belgium Motorcycle Grand Prix. Its creators, using public roads twisting and turning through the Ardennes hills, produced a truly majestic 8-mile road course which was both respected and feared by all who drove on it. The track was redeveloped in 1983 and although the new circuit is only half its original length, it retains much of its previous character and charm.

Considered by many to be the best circuit on the F1 calendar, Spa has the longest lap length of all, and is certainly one of the most scenically situated, surrounded by wooded hillsides and small farms. It is also renowned for its changeable weather and it is not unknown for one half of the track to be streaming wet and the other ander hot, blue skies. Despite using public roads for half its length, Spa is used most weekends and on many weekdays for practice and testing. As well as the Belgian Grand Prix, it also famously hosts a 24 Hour Saloon car race. Some doubts hang over its future as a GP track due to internal governmental problems and the question of tobacco sponsorship.