Located in the Wallonian town of Stavelot, the circuit has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since returning in 1983.

Traditionally the venue for the first race back after the summer break, 2023 will see the track host the final event before the mid-summer hiatus 

The layout is characterised by its fast, sweeping corners and significant changes in elevations and is known as one of the most challenging on the schedule, with the weather often playing a huge part in the outcome of races at the 'University of Driving'.

Where is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

Although widely known as Spa, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps lies closer to Francochamps, which is in the municipality of Stavelot.

When was Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first built?

The original circuit was designed in 1920 and incorporated public roads running between the areas of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot.

Its first race in 1921 was cancelled after only one driver entered and after finally staging an event in 1922, the venue joined the Grand Prix ranks in 1925. However, its brutal layout meant it was often taken on and off of the schedule.

Modifications meant it was deemed suitable to be included in the first official F1 World Championship in 1950 but the decision to shorten the track led to the tightening of corners and often eye-watering speeds.

Add in that the weather often plays its part and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps gained a reputation for both excitement and notoriety, with Stirling Moss once crashing in practice and missing the remainder of the season.

Further changes were made in 1969, but the race was moved two years later due to fresh safety concerns and did not return until 1983, retaining its place ever since.

How long is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

Originally around 15km long, the current layout used for Grand Prix is measured at 7.004km, or 4.352 miles, allowing organisers to pack in 70,000 supporters per day during race weekends.

When did the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first host an F1 race?

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first held a Grand Prix in 1925 and staged its maiden F1 race in 1950 when it was one of seven venues included in the first official championship.

It was won by Alfa Romeo driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who also took the chequered flag in both 1954 and 1955.

Who has won the most F1 races at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

Michael Schumacher won six times at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, triumphing in 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002.

That was one more occasion than Ayrton Senna (1985, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991), while Jim Clark, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton have each won four times in Belgium.

What is the F1 lap record at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

The fastest racing lap recorded at the track in its current layout is 1min 46.286sec set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018, driving his Mercedes W09.

Does the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps host any other events?

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is well-utilised across the range of motorsport disciplines.

The FIA World Endurance Championship, FIM Endurance World Championship, Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge Europe have regular stops in Belgium.

Formula Two and Formula Three also race at Spa-Francorchamps, with their events scheduled to coincide with Formula One's week-long residence at the track.

The venue also hosts the eponymous 24 hours race, as well as the 1000km Spa, while fans of two-wheeled racing can catch the FIM Endurance World Championship at the event.

What is the weather like at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?

Variable. Its traditional August slot in the calendar has often led to wet and windy conditions wreaking havoc among the drivers.

The conditions can notably play a part around the double-whammy of the section between Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, with its famous switchback "S" curve.

However, things could be different in 2023 due to the race being held in the height of summer, meaning supporters could be bathed in sunshine.

bet365 News Team

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