Spa-Francorchamps Wears New Look After A £20 million renovation

The operators of the Spa-Francorchamps have completed the first phase of the track renovations ahead of the 2022 season. The operators of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps have spent €25 million ($40,867,367) on alterations to the venue that will host the Belgian Grand Prix in August. The changes are intended to retain the character of one of Formula One’s most cherished and demanding circuits while improving safety standards for both car and bike races.

“Our track has been subject to various adaptations to receive the double approval from the FIA for motorsport competitions and Grade C from the FIM for motorcycle competitions,”

Chairman of the board Melchior Wathelet

Significant earthworks have allowed more run-off space to be created at the famed Eau Rouge and Raidillon complex. The extremely fast sequence has been the scene of several serious incidents in recent years including Anthoine Hubert’s fatal crash in 2019.

A large new grandstand has been constructed at the corner. A grandstand has been removed on the approach to the bends, but the circuit operators intend to install a new one in time for the 2023 season. The track has been resurfaced in places and new gravel traps installed at several corners. An alternative track configuration has been added at Speaker’s Corner, while the original layout has also been retained.

CEO Amaury Bertholome had this to say during a press briefing 

“These works represent, in figures, apart from our teams, 250 people working over five months, over a hundred machines, more than thirty businesses,” said circuit. This is important, with a large part of these local Walloon companies whose expertise and proficiency are to be emphasized. We’re speaking about a lot of work in a very short timeframe: renovation of all the run-offs, new gravel traps, resurfacing of some parts of the track – after La Source, to the Raidillon and Speaker’s Corner – and construction of a brand new grandstand at the top of the Raidillon: 4,600 places, reception areas, and a breathtaking view. It will be accessible to the public for the World Endurance Championship at the beginning of May. In the Endurance area, in the descent from La Source towards the Raidillon, the stand and terraces will make their re-appearance in 2023.”