The renovation and modernization works of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit are finally completed, which officially opened its doors on March 16 with the first motorsport events of the 2022 season.
After a winter where we had extensively documented the operations of bulldozers and workers on and off the track, the Ardennes route can be said to be ready for now, awaiting further fine-tuning and news to come for next year.
25 million euros is the amount of the investment that has been made to be able to host not only Formula 1, FIA WEC and GT races such as the famous 24h to be held in July, but also the very first 24h of Moto of the FIM EWC , in a calendar consisting of 26 activity weekends and over 150 days of opening to the public for the so-called ‘track days’.
In addition to the refurbishment of the asphalt and escape routes in some parts of the circuit (La Source, Raidillon and Speaker’s Corner), a large grandstand was installed on the Eau Rouge / Raidillon curve and the access roads for improve the entry / exit of visitors, who in the near future will also enjoy new sound systems, toilets and a more modern paddock.
Work on the Spa-Francorchamps track
Photo by: Circuit Spa-Francorchamps
“The works that took place throughout the winter led to an identical track for 2022, but with enhanced safety – explains Melchior Wathelet, President of the Board of Spa of Spa – Our track has been the subject of various adaptations to receive the double FIA approval for motor racing and FIM Grade C for motorcycle racing. Finally, a new grandstand has been built on top of one of the most famous corners in the world. “
The CEO, Amaury Bertholomé, added: “These jobs represent, in figures, in addition to our teams, 250 people who worked for 5 months, a hundred machines, more than 30 companies, mostly local, whose expertise and professionalism are to be emphasized. We are talking about a lot of work in a very short space of time: renovation of all drains, new escape routes with gravel, resurfacing of some parts of the track and construction of a brand new grandstand on top of the Raidillon: 4,600 seats, reception areas and a breathtaking view “.
“It will be accessible to the public for the FIA WEC in early May, while the new terraces on the La Source descent towards the Raidillon will be ready for 2023. I am happy to be able to welcome our fans again under normal conditions and celebrate our sports. motorsport “.
“We have the great classics like the Belgian F1 Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Spa, the WEC, ELMS, DTM, Benelux World RX, the” oldtimers “weekend with the 6 Hours or the Spa Classic, the 25H Fun Cup , the 24H2CV, and so on, but also bike events that are held in the adjacent forests “.
Work on the Spa-Francorchamps track
Photo by: Circuit Spa-Francorchamps
Finally, Bertholomé also dealt with the theme of the competitions of the future, given that there is more and more talk of zero emissions and so on for motorsport as well.
“It is a huge construction site that is opening on an environmental level. What energies will we have in the future for motorsport? We must respond to the needs of our customers. In fact, our operation predates all these developments and must be adapted”.
“Of course, the circuit will still accept the combustion engine, but hydrogen, biofuels and electricity must also have their place. We must also reduce the carbon footprint. A general reflection has already begun on the production of green energy” .
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