Mettet Rallycross Circuit
Location
Mettet, Namur Province, Belgium
Current Local Time
Track Info
Mettet Rallycross Circuit - Mettet, Namur, Belgium
Compact mixed-surface rallycross track inside the Circuit Jules Tacheny - anti-clockwise - technical, narrow and famous for its jump, rapid direction changes and intense first-corner battles
When was the rallycross track built?
Mettet's motorsport history is much older than its rallycross circuit. Racing around the Belgian town dates back to the 1920s, while the modern permanent Circuit Jules Tacheny was inaugurated in 2010.
In 2014, gravel and off-road sections were constructed through the inside of the permanent circuit. By linking these sections with existing asphalt, Mettet created a purpose-built rallycross course capable of hosting FIA international competition.
When was its first race?
The new rallycross circuit made a dramatic debut on 12-13 July 2014 when it hosted the sixth round of the first FIA World Rallycross Championship season.
Approximately 25,000 spectators attended. Toomas Heikkinen won the final in his Volkswagen Polo, ahead of Timmy Hansen and Johan Kristoffersson.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant direction changes: Mettet contains several tight zig-zag sections. Drivers have to position the car correctly because a mistake in one corner can immediately compromise the next.
- Mixed surfaces: The established World RX configuration is roughly 61% asphalt and 39% gravel. Grip changes suddenly when the car moves from one surface to the other.
- Blind jump: One of Mettet's signature features sends cars over a crest and downhill. Drivers cannot see everything ahead before committing to the jump.
World RX cars have approached approximately 170 km/h despite the circuit being barely one kilometre long. That combination of speed and narrow technical sections makes Mettet far more challenging than its small size suggests.
Lap records and benchmarks
- World RX benchmark: 0:38.074 - Johan Kristoffersson, Volkswagen Polo GTI, 2017.
- Previous World RX benchmark: 0:38.416 - Mattias Ekström, Audi S1 EKS RX quattro, 2016.
- 2018 World RX benchmark: 0:38.375 - Timmy Hansen, Peugeot 208 WRX.
- 2018 qualifying heat lap: 0:39.141 - Petter Solberg, Volkswagen Polo R.
- Joker Lap distance: 1.102 km compared with 1.031 km for the normal route.
Rallycross lap times are difficult to compare directly. The opening lap starts from a stationary grid, every race requires a Joker Lap, and the gravel surface can become faster or slower as weather and track conditions change.
Why is Mettet famous?
Mettet quickly became one of the most recognisable World RX circuits. It hosted the championship every year from 2014 to 2018, with winners including Toomas Heikkinen, Mattias Ekström, Johan Kristoffersson and Sébastien Loeb.
After several years away from the championship, World RX returned in 2023 and again in 2024. The 2024 double-header was especially significant because electric RX1e cars raced directly against sustainably fuelled combustion-powered Supercars. Timmy Hansen won the first round and Johan Kristoffersson the second.
Who was Jules Tacheny?
The wider circuit is named after Belgian motorcycle racer Jules Tacheny. Born in 1907, Tacheny became a successful factory rider and set 41 world records at Montlhéry in 1931.
He later became president of the local motorsport club and spent decades helping develop racing in Mettet, making his name an important part of the venue's identity long before the modern rallycross course existed.
What's the circuit used for today?
Mettet remains an active rallycross venue. The Belgian Rallycross and Cross Car Championship continues to race here, while dedicated rallycross track days allow competitors to use the mixed-surface course outside major race weekends.
The wider Mettet complex is also heavily used for motorcycle racing, Supermoto, driver training and track days, so the rallycross layout forms only one part of a very busy motorsport facility.
Why go?
Mettet is particularly good for someone watching rallycross for the first time. The circuit is compact enough for spectators to see a large proportion of the action, and races contain only a handful of short, frantic laps.
You can clearly see the difference between asphalt and gravel driving, watch cars use the Joker strategically and follow several battles at the same time without the competitors disappearing for minutes between passes.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: One of the most dramatic locations. Several cars arrive together from the standing start and immediately fight for a narrow piece of track.
- Jump and downhill section: Where spectator access allows, this is the best area for appreciating the speed, elevation change and commitment required at Mettet.
- Panoramic spectator areas: The compact design lets fans see multiple sections of the lap from one position, making these particularly useful for following Joker Lap strategy.
Spectator zones can change between Belgian Rallycross, international meetings and track days, so follow the event map and circuit signage on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mettet Rallycross Circuit (Belgium)
Mettet is in southern Belgium, between Namur and Charleroi. Driving is the easiest option, but buses also stop within walking distance of the circuit, making public transport possible with some planning.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Mettet. The circuit is in a rural area but is relatively close to both Charleroi and Namur, so the final road journey is straightforward.
If you are staying in Brussels without a car, public transport is possible by combining a train with a TEC bus, although it takes considerably longer than driving.
Tip: Search for “Circuit Jules Tacheny” or “Mettet XP” in your navigation app. Both names are commonly used for the venue.
Driving & parking
- From Brussels: allow around 1 hour 10 minutes in clear traffic for the roughly 73 km journey to Mettet.
- From Charleroi: Mettet is around 20–25 km away, making Charleroi another convenient base.
- Navigation: use 6 Rue Saint-Donat, 5640 Mettet for the circuit entrance.
- Parking: spectator parking is normally arranged for major competitions, but prices and locations can vary.
- Arrival: follow event signage when you get close, particularly if temporary parking areas are being used.
For the 2025 Belgian Rallycross finale, spectator parking cost €5, but do not assume the same price applies to your event.
Bus & public transport
Public transport is possible, although there is no convenient railway station directly at the circuit.
- Closest stop: Mettet Saint-Donat Intersection is roughly a 14-minute walk from the circuit.
- Nearby buses: current services in the area include routes 6, 61, 337 and E86, depending on where you start.
- From Brussels: one useful option is a train to Namur followed by a TEC bus towards Mettet.
- Return journey: check your final bus before entering the circuit, as rural services are less frequent than transport in Brussels.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Charleroi: a taxi or private transfer is useful if you arrive by train or are staying in the city.
- From Mettet: local taxi transport can avoid the walk from a bus stop if you are carrying bags or travelling with children.
- After the racing: arrange your pickup beforehand, as taxis are unlikely to be as plentiful as in a large city centre.
Charleroi airport
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL): the closest major airport to Mettet.
- Airport → Mettet: approximately 28 km by road and around 25 minutes by car in clear conditions.
- Easiest option: rental car, taxi or private transfer.
- Public transport: buses are possible via Charleroi and Acoz, but the journey involves several connections and takes much longer.
Event-day tips
- Wear suitable shoes: rallycross spectator areas can include grass, earth and uneven outdoor surfaces.
- Prepare for rain: Belgian weather can change quickly, and rallycross continues in conditions that may make spectator areas muddy.
- Check parking: prices and vehicle areas can differ between rallycross, supermoto and other meetings.
- Arrive early: the circuit's compact layout gives excellent views, so popular viewing areas can fill quickly.
- Check the schedule: Mettet hosts many different types of motorsport, so make sure you are following information for your specific event.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Mettet, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. Natural spectator banks and temporary event parking can make the easiest access route different from one meeting to another.
Bus timetables, parking prices, entrances and event access arrangements can change. Check the official Mettet XP information for your specific race weekend shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mettet Rallycross Circuit (Belgium)
Mettet’s rallycross track is part of Circuit Jules Tacheny in rural Wallonia, between Namur, Dinant and the French border. Rallycross here means short, frantic races that switch between asphalt and loose dirt, while the surrounding region offers abbeys, gardens, lakes and some excellent family-friendly outdoor attractions.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Molignée Railbikes: Pedal along an old railway through the wooded Molignée Valley. Different routes cover roughly 6 to 14 km and make an unusual family activity away from the racetrack.
- Annevoie Water Gardens: Explore fountains, waterfalls, ponds and landscaped gardens powered largely by natural water pressure rather than pumps.
- Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure: Belgium’s largest lake complex offers beaches, walking, cycling and water-based activities, making it a good full-day option for families.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Maredsous Abbey: Visit the neo-Gothic Benedictine abbey in the Molignée Valley, then stop at the visitor centre for local food, a shop and family facilities.
- Namur Citadel: Explore one of Wallonia’s major historic fortresses, including underground galleries that provide a useful option when the weather turns wet.
- Philippeville underground passages: Discover tunnels beneath this old fortified town and learn why its defensive network was built.
Eat & drink like a local
- Maredsous cheese: The nearby abbey is closely associated with traditionally matured cheeses that are easy to try at its visitor centre.
- Belgian fries: Look for a local friterie for freshly cooked fries served with a huge choice of sauces - an easy and inexpensive meal after racing.
- Belgian beer: Adults can sample Maredsous and other regional beers, but arrange a designated driver if you are travelling between villages by car.
Get outdoors around the Molignée Valley
- Molignée Valley: Quiet roads and riverside paths connect small villages, abbeys and woodland, making the valley well suited to walking and cycling.
- Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure: Choose from hiking, cycling and seasonal water activities if you want a more active day outside the circuit.
- Fondry des Chiens: Farther south near Nismes, this unusual limestone gorge has rocky viewpoints and walking trails through a landscape that feels very different from the farmland around Mettet.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Dinant: Spend a day beside the River Meuse, visiting the hilltop citadel, riverside centre and sights connected with Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.
- Namur: The provincial capital combines its citadel with an attractive old centre, museums, shops and restaurants around the Sambre and Meuse rivers.
- Maredsous & Annevoie: The abbey and water gardens are close enough to combine into a relaxed countryside day without travelling far from Mettet.
Good to know on rallycross weekends
- Rallycross is short and intense: Several cars race together over only a handful of laps, repeatedly switching between asphalt and dirt before progressing through heats and finals.
- The Belgian championship returns in November: Mettet is scheduled to host the 2026 Belgian Rallycross & Cross Car Championship finale on 7 - 8 November.
- World RX history is important here: Mettet hosted World Rallycross repeatedly between 2014 and 2018 and returned to the world championship in 2023 and 2024.
- Dress for mud and rain: Spectator areas have excellent views but are largely outdoors. Waterproof footwear and a rain layer are useful, particularly during a late-season rallycross meeting.
Motorsport schedules, spectator access, attraction opening hours, railbike services and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before you travel.