Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Location:
Stavelot (near Spa), Belgium
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
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6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
World Endurance Championship
7 - 9 May
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24 Hours of Spa
Intercontinental GT Challenge
22 - 28 Jun
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Belgian Grand Prix
Formula 3
17 - 19 Jul
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Belgian Grand Prix
Formula 2
17 - 19 Jul
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Belgian Grand Prix
Formula 1
17 - 19 Jul
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4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
European Le Mans Series
21 - 23 Aug
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Track Info
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - Stavelot, Belgium
Permanent road course in the Ardennes - clockwise - longest lap on the F1 calendar
When was the track built?
Conceived by Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem, Spa joined public roads between Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot to create a lightning fast triangle through the Ardennes forests. The first planned race in 1921 was cancelled, but competition began in 1922 and the 24 Hours of Francorchamps arrived in 1924. Spa hosted its first Belgian Grand Prix in 1925, establishing a legacy that continues today.
The old pre 1979 road course stretched to nearly 15 km and was fearsomely quick. A major redesign in 1979 created the modern permanent circuit. Recent upgrades added gravel traps and reworked run offs at Raidillon, Blanchimont, La Source and other zones, plus new grandstands overlooking Eau Rouge - Raidillon, while preserving the layout and the track’s flow.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race took place in 1922 after the cancelled 1921 event. The first Belgian Grand Prix at Spa followed in 1925, cementing the venue as a grand prix classic.
What's the circuit like?
- High speed and elevation: A 100 meter elevation change and long flat out sections define the lap. The Kemmel Straight tow effects are huge, and drivers commit through Pouhon and Blanchimont at serious speed.
- Eau Rouge - Raidillon: The uphill left right left compresses the car at the bottom before firing it up to Kemmel. Track limits and wind sensitivity here can make or break a qualifying lap.
- Weather roulette: Spa’s microclimate can deliver dry and wet conditions on different sectors in the same lap. Strategy and safety car timing are often decisive.
- DRS and overtakes: The Kemmel Straight into Les Combes is the prime passing zone. Additional moves happen into the Bus Stop and La Source, especially after safety car restarts.
- Pace references: Qualifying record pace includes a 1:41.252 pole in 2020. The official race lap record is 1:44.701 set in 2024.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Formula 1 (race lap): 1:44.701 - Sergio Perez, 2024 Belgian GP - current 7.004 km layout.
- FIA WEC: 6 Hours of Spa is a calendar mainstay with Hypercars and LMGT3 - hybrid prototypes demonstrate massive downforce through Maggotts style changes at Spa like Eau Rouge - Raidillon and Pouhon.
- 24 Hours of Spa: GT3 only endurance classic - part of Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge Europe. Night running through the forest is a highlight.
- ELMS: European Le Mans Series 4 Hours of Spa adds deep prototype and GT fields to the year.
- FIM EWC 8 Hours of Spa Motos: Bikes return on a motorcycle specific 6.985 km layout with reworked run offs.
- Porsche Supercup and Carrera Cup: Popular one make GT series frequently race on the GP bill with large grids and close drafting on Kemmel.
Why go?
Spa is a bucket list trip - epic scenery, fast corners you can actually feel from the grandstands, and a festival vibe in the paddock areas. The long lap means varied viewing and strategy surprises. Pack for four seasons in one day and you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular racing in Europe.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Raidillon grandstands: Watch cars rocket through Eau Rouge and crest the hill - spectacular commitment and photography.
- Les Combes - Malmedy: Prime overtaking from the Kemmel draft with switchback opportunities on exit.
- Pouhon: Double left taken at high speed where balance and bravery show - constant traffic and mistakes mean action all race.
- Bus Stop - La Source: Final chicane and hairpin for late lunges, safety car restarts and the sprint to the line.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgian Grand Prix)
Best options are train to Verviers-Central + TEC shuttle, the official City Shuttles from major cities, or pre-booked parking (some with shuttle). The circuit is rural-plan ahead and arrive early.
Train to Verviers + TEC shuttle (easiest public transport)
- By train: Aim for Verviers-Central (from Brussels Midi via Liège-Guillemins; also good from Aachen, Maastricht, Luxembourg via regional links).
- TEC shuttle hours: continuous departures 07:30–13:00 from Verviers-Central to Francorchamps (Rue de Sart / Trou Hennet roundabout), returns 16:30–19:30.
- Tickets: sold at the TEC desk at the entrance to Verviers-Central station. Typical pricing: Friday €30 (covers all 3 days), Saturday €20 (covers Sat+Sun), Sunday €10 (Sun only).
- Public buses 294/395: run Friday & Saturday to Francorchamps (stop ~15 min walk to La Source / ~10 min to Les Combes); do not serve the circuit on Sunday.
Tip: If queues look long after the race, grab food and wait 20–30 minutes-shuttles empty fast once moving.
City Shuttles (direct coaches to the circuit)
Pre-book return coaches running Friday–Sunday from cities such as Aachen, Antwerp, Brussels (Midi & North), Charleroi, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Eindhoven, Liège, Lille, Luxembourg, Maastricht, Mons, Namur. Typical plan: morning arrival around 09:00, evening departure around 19:00. Tickets are per person per day and include the return; one-way use is allowed but the fare is not split.
Driving & parking (pre-book only)
- Zones: Yellow (La Source / Ster side; also Yellow E25 / Yellow Bis with village shuttle), Green (Combes/Kemmel), Red (Stavelot/Blanchimont), plus Malmedy Expo (asphalt) with shuttle to Les Combes.
- Opening / closure: Car parks open early with the gates and close nightly; no overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles.
- Follow signed routes: Near the circuit, follow the colour-coded highway signs for your zone-temporary one-way systems are used after sessions.
- Malmedy Expo: tarmac, dedicated approach, shuttle all day to/from the Combes entrance; popular for Bronze/Les Combes/Silver grandstands.
- Motorcycles: dedicated areas (book in advance where offered).
Walking from drop points
- Francorchamps village stop → La Source gates: ~15 minutes on foot.
- Combes shuttle drop → Les Combes entrances: ~10 minutes on foot.
Taxis & rideshare
- Local taxis operate in the Spa/Francorchamps/Malmedy area, but availability is limited on race days and traffic is heavy-pre-book well in advance.
- Rideshare coverage is patchy and mobile signal can be congested; don’t rely on ordering a car at peak times. Use City/TEC shuttles or pre-arranged taxis instead.
Accessibility (PRM)
- PRM tickets: dedicated platforms (e.g., PRM SOURCE near La Source and PRM CHICANE) are for Blue Badge holders only and include an accompanying person + parking close to the platform.
- City/TEC shuttles: staff can assist with boarding; check the current year’s guidance if travelling with mobility aids.
Park & Ride (cycle the last 5 km)
Free “Park & Ride” lets you leave your car roughly 5 km from the circuit and cycle the scenic RAVeL path to the entrances. Spaces are limited-book ahead and bring lights/locks.
Quick gate guide (what’s nearest)
- La Source / Ster side: Yellow parking, village shuttle, TEC 294/395 (Fri–Sat), TEC Verviers shuttles set down ~15 min away.
- Les Combes / Kemmel: Green parking and Malmedy Expo shuttle drop-ideal for Silver 3/4/5/6 and Bronze hillside areas.
- Blanchimont / Stavelot: Red parking (for 17–27 and Silver 5–6 zones).
Always check your e-ticket and pre-event emails/app for your assigned colour zone, gate and last-minute transport changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Ardennes, Belgium)
Whether you are here for Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Spa, FIA WEC, Spa-Classic or endurance bikes, the forested hills around Spa, Stavelot and Malmedy are packed with family fun, nature, culture and great food - ideal for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Abbaye de Stavelot - Circuit Museum: Cars, trophies and decades of Spa history inside a beautiful abbey complex. Great for fans on any race week.
- Plopsa Coo at the Coo Waterfall: A compact theme park wrapped around Belgium’s highest natural waterfall - perfect for mixed ages. Opening days vary by season.
- Caves of Remouchamps: Guided tour plus a celebrated underground boat ride. Popular in school holidays - book ahead.
- Forestia Animal & Adventure Park (Theux): European wildlife enclosures, treetop courses and a big play area - easy half day with kids.
- Thermes de Spa: Thermal pools and wellness with later hours on Fridays - a classic Spa experience after a long day at the track.
Plopsa Coo and the Caves run seasonal calendars - always check dates, times and height rules before you go.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Abbey museums at Stavelot: Alongside the Circuit Museum, discover the history of the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy and a dedicated Apollinaire space.
- Spa town: Belle-Époque architecture, park promenades and cafés around the Place Royale - great for gentle strolls if showers roll in.
Eat and drink like a local
- Spa & Stavelot centers: Brasseries for Ardennes game in season, boulets liégeois, local cheeses and deep Belgian beer lists.
- Malmedy: Cafés and pâtisseries for gaufres and tartes before or after a forest walk.
- Race week tip: Saturday evenings on major weekends book out quickly - reserve ahead for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- High Fens - Hautes Fagnes: Boardwalk hikes across Belgium’s highest plateau with peat bog landscapes. Signal de Botrange tops out at 694 m.
- Waterfalls of Coo: Short riverside strolls and viewpoints beside the Amblève - combine with the amusement park for a fuller day.
- Lake circuits & forest loops: Gentle family walking around Warfaaz Lake near Spa or signed trails above Malmedy.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Liège - 45 to 60 minutes. Lively river city with historic center, markets and museums. Handy rainy day option.
- Aachen, Germany - About 60 minutes. UNESCO listed cathedral and Charlemagne heritage - compact and walkable.
- Maastricht, Netherlands - Around 60 minutes. Elegant streets, riverfront cafés and guided underground tours.
- Bastogne War Museum - Roughly 75 to 90 minutes. Powerful, modern museum on the Battle of the Bulge - allow half a day.
- Durbuy & La Roche-en-Ardenne - 60 to 90 minutes. Stone villages, castles and Ourthe valley walks for slow travel days.
Driving times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular attractions often require pre booking in peak season.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late spring to early autumn brings the biggest events and off track entertainment. Hotels in Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot sell out fast around the 24 Hours of Spa and WEC weeks.
- Weather - The Ardennes microclimate can swing from sun to showers in the same hour. Pack waterproofs, warm layers and comfy shoes for boardwalks and town strolls.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Access & operations: Expect special entry plans, controlled parking and on site rules on major weekends. Check your event page for what is allowed to bring and any restricted areas.
- Abbey & museums: The Circuit Museum sits within the Abbaye de Stavelot complex. Check opening times on event days and consider timed tickets in peak weeks.
- Wellness scheduling: Thermes de Spa typically runs later Friday hours - useful after practice or qualifying. Maintenance closures can occur - confirm before you go.
- Historic & bike events: Spa-Classic dates shift each year. EWC Spa Motos currently runs in an 8 hour format - confirm the latest edition when planning.
Opening hours, programs and event week operations can change - check live calendars when you book.
Sources for accuracy: CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa event site and Spa-Francorchamps listing; FIA WEC 6 Hours of Spa official page; Spa-Classic by Peter Auto; FIM EWC Spa Motos site; Abbaye de Stavelot and Circuit Museum; Plopsa Coo official; Caves of Remouchamps official; Thermes de Spa hours; Forestia official and Visit Wallonia; High Fens and Signal de Botrange info; Coo Waterfall tourism pages; Liège, Aachen Cathedral UNESCO, Maastricht tourism, Bastogne War Museum, Durbuy and La Roche tourism.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Stavelot (near Spa), Belgium
Track Info
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - Stavelot, Belgium
Permanent road course in the Ardennes - clockwise - longest lap on the F1 calendar
When was the track built?
Conceived by Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem, Spa joined public roads between Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot to create a lightning fast triangle through the Ardennes forests. The first planned race in 1921 was cancelled, but competition began in 1922 and the 24 Hours of Francorchamps arrived in 1924. Spa hosted its first Belgian Grand Prix in 1925, establishing a legacy that continues today.
The old pre 1979 road course stretched to nearly 15 km and was fearsomely quick. A major redesign in 1979 created the modern permanent circuit. Recent upgrades added gravel traps and reworked run offs at Raidillon, Blanchimont, La Source and other zones, plus new grandstands overlooking Eau Rouge - Raidillon, while preserving the layout and the track’s flow.
When was its first race?
The circuit’s first race took place in 1922 after the cancelled 1921 event. The first Belgian Grand Prix at Spa followed in 1925, cementing the venue as a grand prix classic.
What's the circuit like?
- High speed and elevation: A 100 meter elevation change and long flat out sections define the lap. The Kemmel Straight tow effects are huge, and drivers commit through Pouhon and Blanchimont at serious speed.
- Eau Rouge - Raidillon: The uphill left right left compresses the car at the bottom before firing it up to Kemmel. Track limits and wind sensitivity here can make or break a qualifying lap.
- Weather roulette: Spa’s microclimate can deliver dry and wet conditions on different sectors in the same lap. Strategy and safety car timing are often decisive.
- DRS and overtakes: The Kemmel Straight into Les Combes is the prime passing zone. Additional moves happen into the Bus Stop and La Source, especially after safety car restarts.
- Pace references: Qualifying record pace includes a 1:41.252 pole in 2020. The official race lap record is 1:44.701 set in 2024.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- Formula 1 (race lap): 1:44.701 - Sergio Perez, 2024 Belgian GP - current 7.004 km layout.
- FIA WEC: 6 Hours of Spa is a calendar mainstay with Hypercars and LMGT3 - hybrid prototypes demonstrate massive downforce through Maggotts style changes at Spa like Eau Rouge - Raidillon and Pouhon.
- 24 Hours of Spa: GT3 only endurance classic - part of Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge Europe. Night running through the forest is a highlight.
- ELMS: European Le Mans Series 4 Hours of Spa adds deep prototype and GT fields to the year.
- FIM EWC 8 Hours of Spa Motos: Bikes return on a motorcycle specific 6.985 km layout with reworked run offs.
- Porsche Supercup and Carrera Cup: Popular one make GT series frequently race on the GP bill with large grids and close drafting on Kemmel.
Why go?
Spa is a bucket list trip - epic scenery, fast corners you can actually feel from the grandstands, and a festival vibe in the paddock areas. The long lap means varied viewing and strategy surprises. Pack for four seasons in one day and you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular racing in Europe.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Raidillon grandstands: Watch cars rocket through Eau Rouge and crest the hill - spectacular commitment and photography.
- Les Combes - Malmedy: Prime overtaking from the Kemmel draft with switchback opportunities on exit.
- Pouhon: Double left taken at high speed where balance and bravery show - constant traffic and mistakes mean action all race.
- Bus Stop - La Source: Final chicane and hairpin for late lunges, safety car restarts and the sprint to the line.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgian Grand Prix)
Best options are train to Verviers-Central + TEC shuttle, the official City Shuttles from major cities, or pre-booked parking (some with shuttle). The circuit is rural-plan ahead and arrive early.
Train to Verviers + TEC shuttle (easiest public transport)
- By train: Aim for Verviers-Central (from Brussels Midi via Liège-Guillemins; also good from Aachen, Maastricht, Luxembourg via regional links).
- TEC shuttle hours: continuous departures 07:30–13:00 from Verviers-Central to Francorchamps (Rue de Sart / Trou Hennet roundabout), returns 16:30–19:30.
- Tickets: sold at the TEC desk at the entrance to Verviers-Central station. Typical pricing: Friday €30 (covers all 3 days), Saturday €20 (covers Sat+Sun), Sunday €10 (Sun only).
- Public buses 294/395: run Friday & Saturday to Francorchamps (stop ~15 min walk to La Source / ~10 min to Les Combes); do not serve the circuit on Sunday.
Tip: If queues look long after the race, grab food and wait 20–30 minutes-shuttles empty fast once moving.
City Shuttles (direct coaches to the circuit)
Pre-book return coaches running Friday–Sunday from cities such as Aachen, Antwerp, Brussels (Midi & North), Charleroi, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Eindhoven, Liège, Lille, Luxembourg, Maastricht, Mons, Namur. Typical plan: morning arrival around 09:00, evening departure around 19:00. Tickets are per person per day and include the return; one-way use is allowed but the fare is not split.
Driving & parking (pre-book only)
- Zones: Yellow (La Source / Ster side; also Yellow E25 / Yellow Bis with village shuttle), Green (Combes/Kemmel), Red (Stavelot/Blanchimont), plus Malmedy Expo (asphalt) with shuttle to Les Combes.
- Opening / closure: Car parks open early with the gates and close nightly; no overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles.
- Follow signed routes: Near the circuit, follow the colour-coded highway signs for your zone-temporary one-way systems are used after sessions.
- Malmedy Expo: tarmac, dedicated approach, shuttle all day to/from the Combes entrance; popular for Bronze/Les Combes/Silver grandstands.
- Motorcycles: dedicated areas (book in advance where offered).
Walking from drop points
- Francorchamps village stop → La Source gates: ~15 minutes on foot.
- Combes shuttle drop → Les Combes entrances: ~10 minutes on foot.
Taxis & rideshare
- Local taxis operate in the Spa/Francorchamps/Malmedy area, but availability is limited on race days and traffic is heavy-pre-book well in advance.
- Rideshare coverage is patchy and mobile signal can be congested; don’t rely on ordering a car at peak times. Use City/TEC shuttles or pre-arranged taxis instead.
Accessibility (PRM)
- PRM tickets: dedicated platforms (e.g., PRM SOURCE near La Source and PRM CHICANE) are for Blue Badge holders only and include an accompanying person + parking close to the platform.
- City/TEC shuttles: staff can assist with boarding; check the current year’s guidance if travelling with mobility aids.
Park & Ride (cycle the last 5 km)
Free “Park & Ride” lets you leave your car roughly 5 km from the circuit and cycle the scenic RAVeL path to the entrances. Spaces are limited-book ahead and bring lights/locks.
Quick gate guide (what’s nearest)
- La Source / Ster side: Yellow parking, village shuttle, TEC 294/395 (Fri–Sat), TEC Verviers shuttles set down ~15 min away.
- Les Combes / Kemmel: Green parking and Malmedy Expo shuttle drop-ideal for Silver 3/4/5/6 and Bronze hillside areas.
- Blanchimont / Stavelot: Red parking (for 17–27 and Silver 5–6 zones).
Always check your e-ticket and pre-event emails/app for your assigned colour zone, gate and last-minute transport changes.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Ardennes, Belgium)
Whether you are here for Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Spa, FIA WEC, Spa-Classic or endurance bikes, the forested hills around Spa, Stavelot and Malmedy are packed with family fun, nature, culture and great food - ideal for mornings, evenings and non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Abbaye de Stavelot - Circuit Museum: Cars, trophies and decades of Spa history inside a beautiful abbey complex. Great for fans on any race week.
- Plopsa Coo at the Coo Waterfall: A compact theme park wrapped around Belgium’s highest natural waterfall - perfect for mixed ages. Opening days vary by season.
- Caves of Remouchamps: Guided tour plus a celebrated underground boat ride. Popular in school holidays - book ahead.
- Forestia Animal & Adventure Park (Theux): European wildlife enclosures, treetop courses and a big play area - easy half day with kids.
- Thermes de Spa: Thermal pools and wellness with later hours on Fridays - a classic Spa experience after a long day at the track.
Plopsa Coo and the Caves run seasonal calendars - always check dates, times and height rules before you go.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Abbey museums at Stavelot: Alongside the Circuit Museum, discover the history of the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy and a dedicated Apollinaire space.
- Spa town: Belle-Époque architecture, park promenades and cafés around the Place Royale - great for gentle strolls if showers roll in.
Eat and drink like a local
- Spa & Stavelot centers: Brasseries for Ardennes game in season, boulets liégeois, local cheeses and deep Belgian beer lists.
- Malmedy: Cafés and pâtisseries for gaufres and tartes before or after a forest walk.
- Race week tip: Saturday evenings on major weekends book out quickly - reserve ahead for groups.
Active outdoors between sessions
- High Fens - Hautes Fagnes: Boardwalk hikes across Belgium’s highest plateau with peat bog landscapes. Signal de Botrange tops out at 694 m.
- Waterfalls of Coo: Short riverside strolls and viewpoints beside the Amblève - combine with the amusement park for a fuller day.
- Lake circuits & forest loops: Gentle family walking around Warfaaz Lake near Spa or signed trails above Malmedy.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Liège - 45 to 60 minutes. Lively river city with historic center, markets and museums. Handy rainy day option.
- Aachen, Germany - About 60 minutes. UNESCO listed cathedral and Charlemagne heritage - compact and walkable.
- Maastricht, Netherlands - Around 60 minutes. Elegant streets, riverfront cafés and guided underground tours.
- Bastogne War Museum - Roughly 75 to 90 minutes. Powerful, modern museum on the Battle of the Bulge - allow half a day.
- Durbuy & La Roche-en-Ardenne - 60 to 90 minutes. Stone villages, castles and Ourthe valley walks for slow travel days.
Driving times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular attractions often require pre booking in peak season.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late spring to early autumn brings the biggest events and off track entertainment. Hotels in Spa, Malmedy and Stavelot sell out fast around the 24 Hours of Spa and WEC weeks.
- Weather - The Ardennes microclimate can swing from sun to showers in the same hour. Pack waterproofs, warm layers and comfy shoes for boardwalks and town strolls.
Practical notes during race weeks
- Access & operations: Expect special entry plans, controlled parking and on site rules on major weekends. Check your event page for what is allowed to bring and any restricted areas.
- Abbey & museums: The Circuit Museum sits within the Abbaye de Stavelot complex. Check opening times on event days and consider timed tickets in peak weeks.
- Wellness scheduling: Thermes de Spa typically runs later Friday hours - useful after practice or qualifying. Maintenance closures can occur - confirm before you go.
- Historic & bike events: Spa-Classic dates shift each year. EWC Spa Motos currently runs in an 8 hour format - confirm the latest edition when planning.
Opening hours, programs and event week operations can change - check live calendars when you book.
Sources for accuracy: CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa event site and Spa-Francorchamps listing; FIA WEC 6 Hours of Spa official page; Spa-Classic by Peter Auto; FIM EWC Spa Motos site; Abbaye de Stavelot and Circuit Museum; Plopsa Coo official; Caves of Remouchamps official; Thermes de Spa hours; Forestia official and Visit Wallonia; High Fens and Signal de Botrange info; Coo Waterfall tourism pages; Liège, Aachen Cathedral UNESCO, Maastricht tourism, Bastogne War Museum, Durbuy and La Roche tourism.
