motor sports

Located between Liege and Brussels in the Ardennes forest, at seven kilometers Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the calendar. Despite some significant modifications over the years from its original 14.9km layout, the current circuit is still predominantly run on narrow, public roads while following the natural landscape. Pouhon, Stavelot and Blanchimont are corners synonymous with speed and they're all found here along with undoubtedly the most technically challenging corner for any driver, the Eau Rouge. Approached at over 300km/h after a plunging exit out of turn two, the drivers experience up to -3.5 of vertical G (the only circuit at which drivers experience negative G forces). A medium downforce track, with medium tyre and brake wear, it's the engines that experience the greatest demands at Spa with the average lap speed circulating the 237kph mark and top speeds reaching 320kph. The weather often has an influence on the outcome of races. The Ardennes region of Belgium seems to have a microclimate of its own, and such is the circuit's length that it can be raining on one section and dry on another. Stretching across such a broad area, it's little surprise that different parts of the circuit can experience different weather conditions at one time. It might make for some great action for the fans, but such unpredictable weather conditions can wreak havoc with car set-up which must be carefully considered at this race track.