Motorsport in France and Belgium is inextricably linked to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The idea of creating a sports track near Liège belongs to journalist Jules de Thiers, one of the heads of the major Belgian newspaper La Meuse. Jules was in love with the nascent motorsport and believed that motor racing would breathe new life into World War-torn Belgium. In 1920 his idea was supported by Henry van Ofem of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, who lobbied the government to build the track. As a result, under the track was allocated several country roads near the village of Francorchamps, meandering between hills, woods and even houses, which made the route interesting to race. The 14 km dirt track was not much different from today’s rally specials.
When choosing the place of competition, Henry van Ofem and Jules de Thiers had cheated. Nearby was the famous mud resort of Spa, where wealthy tourists from all over the world vacationed. Their presence could have made the races in Belgium famous throughout Europe. And so it happened. Despite the fact that in 1921 only one racer applied for participation, just three years later, in 1924, a 24 hour endurance race was held where dozens of athletes competed. The circuit was paved and the great Belgian Grand Prix took place as early as 1925. These races were the forerunner of the post-war Formula 1 series, which came to Belgium in 1950.
Speeds were increasing and the large length of the track began to raise questions. For example, it was easy to run over a chicken or crash into a farmhouse! That’s what happened in 1966 to rider Jackie Stewart at the Belgian Grand Prix. He lost control, went off the track and rammed into a peasant’s barn! Despite the driver suffering with broken arms and legs, the circuit management undertook the construction of a new circuit in 1972, fully complying with the new FIA requirements. A modern 7 km-long circuit was built next to the historical route.
Spa-Francorchamps has retained its character. The new circuit is as fast as ever and abounds in elevation differences, making for an interesting race. But most importantly, Francorchamps has a variable climate. Clouds come from the Ardennes mountains and it can rain unexpectedly on the racers, which adds spice to the competition.
The Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1, DTM, GP2 and motorcycle races are held at Spa-Francorchamps.
