Spa Francorchamps - Circuit Guide - Report by David Harbey

Grand Prix Circuit

Photographic guide to Spa Francorchamps

Updated 12 May 2023

Since we first published this Circuit Guide significant changes have been made at Spa to the track and spectating areas. The most significant of these changes for spectators - especially those who take photographs - have been between La Source and Raidillon (A, B, C, D on the track map below). This Guide is now fully updated for these areas along with more information around Fagnes (M). Please note that we have not been to a Formula 1 Grand Prix at Spa since 1968 and thus we cannot cover what you might encounter in this guide.

Deep in the Ardennes forests close to the Belgian / German border lies one of the circuits held in awe by motorsport fans around the world. The original 14km long road course first held a grand prix in the 20’s and ran to this format until the end of the 70’s when the modern Grand Prix circuit was created. Various changes have been made since and the current track was first used in 2007. It is regarded as one of the better “new” tracks for the modern era of F1.

The other major race at Spa since the 20’s has been the 24 Hours Touring Car race which these days runs to GT regulations every July. Spa also hosts a 6 hour World Endurance Championship race in May and the Spa Six Hours for historic GTs in September which runs into the dark. There’s even a 24 hour race for Citroen C1s and 2CVs …

Spa Francorchamps Circuit Map

Area A

The spectator area opposite the “old” or endurance pitlane has been completely transformed - or to be more accurate, is being transformed. The lower pale green, open grandstands were removed for the Rallycross track a couple of years back and now the old covered grandstand and other open seating nearer La Source have gone too.

Probably not before time – they were showing their age – or had patina as old car chaps and antique sellers might claim. Here’s 1968, 2018 and 2022 respectively.

The new Endurance Grandstand, recently formally opened, and adjacent open terracing is much further back from the edge of the track and the old, toes over the track experience has gone. In its place is a huge grandstand with hospitality units beneath and with panoramic views from La Source to Raidillon and beyond. You can even glimpse the cars at Speaker’s Corner.

The shots below are iPhone shots taken from the back row; beware, there is a partially open back to the grandstand at that level and if the wind is in the wrong direction there is a noticeable breeze. There is a giant screen on top of the old Endurance pits.

No, it’s not the same but you can shoot over the fence and get panning shots as the cars head down to Eau Rouge. Both the Porsche and Ferrari were shot at 1/200 and 300mm focal length with minimal cropping. A longer focal length lens will be required for shots looking back to La Source.

Area B

A long shot looking towards Raidillon is possible here, or you can stand close to the fence as the competitors dive through Eau Rouge. With double layer fence panning isn’t on, but the photographer’s window in the fence does allow for some moving pictures experimentation with the iPhone – but there’s more work to do there yet !

Area C

There’s now an access gate for the circuit that you can shoot through and get that rear view as the cars head through Raidillon.

Area D

This is where the real and very obvious change is ! There’s now a huge 4,000 seater grandstand above Raidillon. The alpine lodge building and adjacent East Belgian Kart Club (with their BBQ and beers) have gone.

The view is nothing short of spectacular – you can see the Bus Stop chicane and then from the exit of La Source right through to the start of the Kemmel Straight.

However, it’s all below you by several floors, as the grandstand is built on top of what are clearly hospitality suites.

At the recent 2022 WEC race, we understand that the front rail was elbow to elbow snappers and you had to get there earlier to claim a spot. Spectator numbers were lower for the Spring Classic, but for events like the Total 24 Hours in July, this will be a popular spot.

The view is excellent, but perhaps more akin to being at a cinema than a racetrack. The PA speakers were installed, but not in use, and there was a small bar and toilets under the grandstand. The “big screen” on the other side of the track appeared to not be in use.

A variety of shots are available from the grandstand. At the Kemmel end, there’s a shot back as the cars come over the crest towards you (but you will need a decent zoom for that) or there is a panning shot in front of you.

At the Eau Rouge end, you get a better view back up towards La Source. It’s a curate’s egg – excellent viewing but less engaged with the competitors on track – perhaps the same observation that can be made of Silverstone.

You will be using a superzoom for the longer shots, whilst the panning shots in front of the grandstand should work fine with a mid-range zoom.

It doesn’t always go to plan – this tank slapper ended up with the #9 parked sideways at the edge of the track. Fortunately no contact was made but I bet someone’s heart was beating just a little faster afterwards 

Area E

Heading up towards Kemmel straight, there are more windows allowing for photos of the cars exiting Raidillon.

Area F

Kemmel these days is straight with a large, rather stony, bank for spectators which is usually packed for the F1. There is a view of cars exiting Raidillon with the pits in the background or a panning shot although the fence is about a foot too high to get a really clean shot. This is one of the few places where a step would be useful.

Area G and H

At Les Combes the curse of the chain link fencing strikes. There is a panning shot of cars braking for the corner (brake discs aglow) but it’s not my favourite place. Further round the corner there is a large, well-placed, rock which just about gives a clean shot of the cars coming out of Les Combes and heading up to Malmedy. A large step ladder would be good here – but it is a long steep walk to get it there as we are now at the highest part of the circuit. This is where the old circuit goes straight on to Burnenville, Malmedy and Masta before looping back at Stavelot.

Area I

There has, in the past, been the chance to shoot the cars through Malmedy, but the fencing was covered with netting and wasn’t available for the 2023 WEC race. 

However if you keep walking down the hill on the outside of the track you end up at Bruxelles / Rivage where there is a video camera location looking over the fast downhill bend. There is generally room for a couple of people either side of the camera point and the two cars below were captured at the Spa Spring Classic last year.

Area J

Take the tunnel under the track here and turn left towards Bruxelles – there are multiple places here where you are standing above the track to get the cars braking into, through and out of Bruxelles. It can be a good spot to see overtaking or exhausts flaming out. Choose your time carefully and you can get the drivers faces illuminated in the warm evening sunshine. Indeed it is a lovely spot on a warm sunny evening … but you are in the Ardennes and it isn’t so green for no reason – so pack your waterproofs as well as sunscreen.

Area K

Following the track round it drops away steeply to Speakers Corner, so-named apparently because it was the first time the cars could be seen again from start finish by the commentator. There are a couple of windows in the fence here and there are more continuing around the corner and down the hill towards Pouhon. This is extremely steep to walk but gives a great view of the cars below.

Area L

Walking down the hill to Pouhon there is a steepish bank for spectators to sit on and again is typically packed for the F1. There are some angles but, again, the fence can intrude. At the corner, a choice can be made – there is a route back to the Paddock / Eau Rouge through the forest which is pretty much flat. Alternatively, continue following the track round Pouhon.

Area M

This area of the track is downhill sweeping bends with much fencing. However, there are some shots available, mainly through the fence, between the exit of Pouhon, through Fagnes and towards Campus/ Stavelot.

Area N

The tunnel at Paul Frere takes you back to the outside of the track for the walk back past Blanchimont to the Bus Stop chicane and the F1 pits. This is elevated and looks down on the track; typically, there is tall fencing – a double step or small ladder is generally required to get a clean shot. There are one or two clean angles that work – or just watch the cars being driven through one of the most challenging corners on this track.

Area O

Approaching the bus stop, there are again windows in the fence to allow photos of the entry to, and through the Bus Stop. Here is another opportunity to see exhausts flaming out.

Area P

There is a large covered grandstand opposite the F1 pit lane and start / finish line. With a long zoom it is possible to get the cars coming out of the Bus Stop and going into La Source, but it is not brilliant. However, the chance to rest weary feet is welcome. It is possible to walk further and view La Source from the outside, but this is behind double fences.

Area Q

Perhaps better to take the underpass by the Bus Stop and take the lift to the terrace at the top of the new pitlane buildings. This allows for panoramic views across to Eau Rouge / Raidillon, the Bus Stop chicane and the F1 start / finish line. There is also an arty shot of the cars in the pit lane.

Area R

It is also possible to get a panning shot of the cars heading out of La Source from the staircase at the rear of the building. Depending on the meeting, the pit garages are open to wander through but not, of course, into the pitlane.

Area S

It’s also possible to get to the terrace on the roof of the old pitlane buildings allowing you to overview pit stops below. Panning shots on the track are rather hampered by the height of the fence. At the finish of major races like the Six Hours or 24 Hours it is possible to access the pitlane to view the podium and mix with teams and drivers. Equally, there is a view across to the podium from the Grandstand at Area A – which is where we started.

Other things to bear in mind

• The weather can be scorching or streaming wet
• Some of the corners have new and old names – e.g. Bruxelles / Rivage
• The circuit is long and with significant elevation change – as a guide we walked just over 10 kms at the 2023 WEC race
• Parking for the most meetings is at the STER entrance adjacent to Eau Rouge. For larger meetings, the 24 Hours for example, it is in nearby fields which will  involve a walk – in both cases it is necessary to pay for parking separately to your ticket
• Catering generally seems to work on a pay first then collect your food or drink basis. The café at Area O at the Six Hours and 24 Hours offers a substantial buffet and there are typically catering units in the paddock and tribunes
• Accommodation in the area is plentiful. CenterParc, Les Ardennes is around 25 minutes away www.centerparcs.com and we have used www.ardennes-etape.co.uk to rent houses on a couple of occasions in Malmedy.
• Spa is around 360 km / 4 hours from Calais via the autoroute. The Brussels ring road can be slow at busy times.
• Make sure you drive the old circuit. In the mid-70s, sportscars lapped at over 163mph with a peak speed of 218 mph approaching the Masta Kink.

Postscript

My first visit to Spa was in 1968 for the Belgian Grand Prix. From my late father’s archive of 35mm slides taken on his Ilford Sportsman you can see how things have changed !

Thanks for taking the time to read this article and a big thank you to the Harbey Photographic team for the images and words. If you have enjoyed this article please hit the like and share buttons below, I thank you.