Spa-Francorchamps Old & New Circuit in 2023

Spa-Francorchamps Old & New Circuit in 2023
In this Circuits of the past video, we show you Herman’s track visit to Spa-Francorchamps in June 2023. We will show you the Works on the current track and much more. But first the old circuit.
We start our lap on the old street circuit at Les Combes. The current track turns right here. But we follow the historic street circuit. It was actually Herman’s purpose to film the pre-1939 layout of old Spa-Francorchamps. But as you will see in the video, it went a bit different…
A bit of the history of the circuit. Spa-Francorchamps was originally a 14.9 Kilometers, or 9.3 Miles long street circuit which was used for the first time in 1922 for motorcycle races. Actually, the first race should take place in 1921, but that event was cancelled because of a lack of compettitors. There was only one registration!
Old Spa-Francorchamps was a pure high speed circuit. And that’s exact what the circuit bosses wanted. To makei t even faster they introduced the famous artificial steep corner named Raidillon in 1939.
In 1947 another artificial corner was introduced. The slow Stavelot Corner was replaced by a fast banked corner. But when people start to think more about safety, the old Spa-Francorchamps Circuit was found too dangerous. In 1971 it lost the Formula One Grand Prix, which went to Zolder and Nivelles.
In 1979 the new Spa-Francorchamps Circuit opened. The new layout was with 6.9 Kilometers, or 4.3 Miles half the length of the original track.
For the new Spa-Francorchamps they reused a part of the original circuit, with a new artificial loop between Les Combes and Blanchimont. Since 2000, Spa-Francorchamps is a full permanent race track and still the favorite of most drivers.
After a lap at old Spa-Francorchamps Herman shows you the current circuit. When Herman entered the circuit ground he immiately saw this huge construction site. Here they built a rallycross stadium, just before the Raidillon. If you think the name of this corner is Eau Rouge you should watch our video ‘Eau Rouge or Raidillon’: • Eau Rouge or Raidillon...
Via a new tunnel we walk to the infield. On the day Herman visited it there was a track day for motorcycles, a so called Bikers Day.
One of the funny things during days like these is that you can enter places that are normally closed for the crowd. Like the Formula 1 paddock and pits. As you may know, Spa-Francorchamps has two pit buildings. The old one and a new one, especially built for Formula 1.
Also watch the other video ‘Old Spa Francorchamps Full Lap with Abandoned Sections’: • Old Spa Francorchamps ...
Special thanks to Simon Smith for the voiceover. Visit also his channel: / higherplaingames
If you want to support Circuits of the past, go to: / circuitsofthepast
For single donations and tips you can go to: paypal.me/circuitsofthepast
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[@bigsarge8795]

Every time I watch these videos, I'm amazed at the size of the stones on the drivers of those days. No downforce. No abs or anything.

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

Can’t wait to try that rallycross circuit on Automobilista 2!

[@sbatty65227]

The 1966 film Grand Prix shows how much balls the older drivers had.

[@gjermundhigraff7789]

If nothing else, Herman can claim to not have lifted at the Masta kink. Which is nice.

[@nqnobrega]

Seu canal é dos melhores. Desejo muito sucesso a ti e que um dia possa vir ao Brasil mostrar Interlagos e Jacarepaguá. Um forte abraço dos amigos do Brasil!

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Obrigado!

[@Enevan1968]

Because all of the Michel Vaillant comics I read as a kid, I was excited when in '83 the Belgian GP returned to Spa - and was disappointed when it was the new layout. But the joy returned when it was clear that it still separated men from boys.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Yeah it is still a good track. To be honoust, it's even better than the pre-1979 track, because that was about 95% full throttle. Both versions are legendary now.

[@tekpic04]

If I'm not mistaken, during the early to mid 1990's i read or heard in a BBC F1 programme, there were talk of the owners of the circuit that they were trying to purchase the land that have been available by restoring the old circuit. Herman!, do you know about this report from any sources? Thanks, great video.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Never heard about it. But it must have been an April fool. The old track was 100% public road and it is still there. Even now it would be possible to drive a lap on the old layout after a few adjustments. But the old track is way too dangerous. It's a circuit from another time. It's a romantic memory from the past, but it will never return.

[@YuriBruschi]

Ciao Herman, Spa it's one of best race track in the world, so I don't like the new chicane, was best the Bus Stop. Ciao, grazie 👍🍀🇮🇹🏁

[@Circuitsofthepast]

For me the best time was when it was a semi street circuit. Those days it was also possible to drive a full lap on the pre-1979 track.

[@simonbarrett6059]

Am I imagining it or were they traffic islands and pavement I saw on the resurfaced Masta? Please no!

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Yes it's true. It also has been mentioned in the video.

[@therealforestelf]

ah yes finally speed limit :D

[@therealforestelf]

so unfortunate :D apparently you have to come here 12 times to make one historic round :D love this project and the humor!

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks!

[@thhc1744]

Can we start guessing what we think is going to stop you from making this video properly the next time you drive to Spa? 😅

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Hahaha, yes you can.

[@ViN-kr3ri]

Love the channel but the commentary could be better. Lots of irrelevant waffle and many gaping omissions, ie, not a word as the video passes through it on one of the most fearsome corners on the old circuit, Burnenville.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks for the comment. I write the texts, so I will take more into account. We look for the middle between information and entertainment.