Belgian Grand Prix Tickets
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Belgian Grand Prix Tickets
2 September 2012 at 14:00 Local Time | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
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The Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit De Spa Francorchamps
Location
Belgium is divided into two regions, Wallonia (French speaking) and Flanders (Dutch speaking). Spa Francorchamps is located in the former, not that far away from the German border in the Ardennes Forrest. The first corner of the track runs on an ex-public road just a few hundred metres from the small rural village of Francorchamps, before spreading out through two other towns. Access to Spa is difficult and the circuit is a half hour bus ride from the nearest train station in Liege. The surrounding forest played a significant part in World War Two history because the Germans attacked the region heavily on their way into France. The mountains are very conducive to changeable weather and seem to have a climate all of their own. Belgium is so small that you could make it to the track from anywhere in the country but Brussels is a popular choice since it is so clean and friendly.
Circuit Origins
The very first Le Mans 24 Hour race was held in 1923 and was such a huge success that neighbouring Belgium wanted to get in on the action. They decided to hold a similar 24 hour endurance event in 1924 and used a circuit that consisted of superfast public roads between the three towns of Francorchamps, Melmedy and Stavelot. The layout had been used for Motorcycle racing a few years previously, and in 1925 the first Belgian Grand Prix was run there as well. The track was triangle shaped and stretched over fourteen kilometres. Despite its large size there was only one tight corner and the high speeds made it a very dangerous circuit. There were no barriers around the track and drivers were forced to race through villages with all sorts of the hazards like fences, telegraph poles, ditches and buildings. Many drivers lost their lives on the dangerous circuit, one tragically being killed after he spun off and struck a rock monument that had been placed there for another driver who had been killed at the same place. The daunting racetrack was dropped after the 1970 race, but thirteen years later it returned to the calendar on a much shorter seven kilometre layout. Although the new Spa Francorchamps is only a shadow of its former self, organisers did very well to maintain the fast and flowing character of the old track and kept some of its best corners. There have been a large number of old circuits modified over the years but none have been modernised as well as Spa.
Description
When Herman Tilke designs a modern Grand Prix circuit he takes many things into consideration, such as how it looks on TV, how trackside fans get can the best view, how sponsors can get the most exposure, and so-on. When Spa Francorchamps was put together none of that mattered and the result is the greatest racetrack in the world. Spa offers a supreme challenge to the drivers and there are several corners that can be taken at almost 300kph. The combination of driver and car has to be working perfectly around Spa and it is the best place in the world to see F1 machinery pushed to the limit. The circuit winds its way up and down through the Ardennes forest at high speed and the change in elevation is huge, and greatly diminished by TV. A general admission ticket is the best value way to see the action because fans can get close, and there is something quite magical about listening to the noise of an F1 engine echoing through the tress. View a massive range of Spa F1 tickets from the links at the top of this page.
Racing History
Spa is a place that rewards engine power, similar to Monza. Aerodynamic efficiency is also crucial because of the number of high speed corners. Due to the local weather rain has often played a part in the race, and has affected ten of the last fifteen Grands Prix. These conditions, and the challenge of Spa, have always suited the very best drivers and Kimi Raikkonen has been mighty in every race since 2004. The circuit produces fantastic racing and there are thrilling overtaking manoeuvres almost every year. Mika Hakkinen's crucial move on Michael Schumacher in 2000 on a semi-wet track at 330kph is regarded as one of the best of all time. Good driving talent is rewarded at Spa, and Coulthard's victory in 1999 makes him the only driver since 1984 to win there without being World Champion.
Driving Challenges
The whole track presents a massive challenge with a number of corners that are taken near top speed. The circuit demands a driver's full attention and bravery, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Eau Rouge. The drivers arrive down a steep hill at around 300kph and won't lift their foot off the throttle as they climb left, right, then left again over a blind crest. Pouhon is also a great test of the drivers because the downhill double apex left hander will show even the tiniest amount of instability in the car.
What happened in 2008?
Kimi Raikkonen barged past Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton in the early laps and looked set for victory when rain started falling at the very end. It was then that things changed and the sport witnessed one of its greatest ever battles. Hamilton closed right up on Kimi and the two drivers swapped for the lead over the best part of a full lap. Raikkonen crashed after Lewis got ahead, but the Brit was stripped of his win when it was declared that he had gained an unfair advantage whilst fighting the Ferrari by cutting a corner. Felipe Massa was handed an unlikely victory.
Why Watch?
If you could only watch one Grand Prix all year, this would be the one. Spa is the greatest racetrack in the world and is the biggest test of a driver's skill. There is no better place to see a Formula One car in action, and the fast layout and changeable weather make this one of the most exciting races.
Memorable Moments
1986: Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell staged a race long battle that ended in Mansell's favour.
1991: A young driver called Michael Schumacher made his debut for Jordan, qualifying a magnificent seventh. He could have won the race if not for a clutch problem at the start.
1998: Damon Hill scored Jordan's first victory after a crash at the first start eliminated thirteen cars.
2004: Half the field were involved in incidents on the first lap and had to pit for repairs or retire. The crazy race had six different leaders but Kimi Raikkonen ended up beating the dominant 2004 Ferrari in a McLaren that was average for most of the year.
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