The Spa-Francorchamps circuit (Belgium) unveils some pictures of the renovations made during the winter to secure motorcycle races.
The historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit adapts over time and expands its range of categories. This year, an agreement has been reached with the FIM – International Motorcycling Federation – to allow motorcycle speed categories to run in the Belgian Ardennes. To allow two-wheelers to run safely, major modifications had to be made. The huge clearance zones, favorable to track-days, will be enlarged, but now mainly filled by gravel traps.
Secondly, thee virage du Raidillon de l’Eau-Rouge has been called into question by the authorities of the federations and the circuit, after the fatal crash of Anthoine Hubert in 2019, but also the serious crashes of Kevin Magnussen in 2016, Pietro Fittipaldi in 2018 and Lando Norris this year. Deemed dangerous, the latter will undergo drastic modifications to make it slower, with larger clearance zones. A large grandstand will be built in place of the chalet located directly above the bend.
Taking advantage of major works, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps also decided to renovate its aging infrastructure. The the aging “24 hours” stands located between the Source and the Raidillon and built during the reconstruction of the circuit in 1979 have been demolished. They will eventually be replaced by a modernized spectator area.
Here are the main changes made this winter:
- Brussels bend 8 (the asphalted clearance areas will be replaced by gravel traps)
- Turn 16 and 17 in Blanchimont (the clearance zones will be slightly enlarged and partially replaced by gravel traps)
- Turn 1 and 2 in La Source (the clearance areas will be widened to integrate gravel traps and the stands will be replaced by more modern ones)
Photo: The Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
To read on Auto-Moto:
F1: our top 10 drivers this season
24H of Le Mans: what we already know about the future Porsche LMDh
The F1 race you’ve never heard of – VIDEO
Sébastien Loeb returns to the WRC
