A Visitor Guide to Spa-Francorchamps
What is the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps?
The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is the Belgian round of the World Endurance Championship. It’s a total of 4.352 miles in length, referred to as ‘Spa’ due to its proximity to the city with that name.
The circuit has gone through many redesigns over the years. Previously 8.761 miles long, 1979 renovations saw it shortened to its current length due to safety concerns about the old track. Races have been taking place here place since 1925. There was a brief hiatus from 1972 to 1984 when the race moved to Zolder, returning to Spa in 1985. Minus exceptions in 2003 and 2006, Spa has been the home of the Belgian Grand Prix ever since.
The WEC’s 2023 edition of the race saw Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kamui Kobayashi taking pole position. There were 38 cars in total, with 13 in the Hypercar category, 11 LMP2 and 14 GTE Am cars. Hertz Team Jota entered the Hypercar class with the Porsche 963.
Why Should I Visit Spa-Francorchamps?
The Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps delivers exhilarating motor racing action in the heart of Europe, set against a picturesque natural backdrop. With 20 challenging turns, circuit highlights include the iconic La Source, Eau Rouge, and Raidillon. This event is a must-experience for petrolheads, promising an unforgettable atmosphere filled with racing excitement.
How to Get to Spa-Francorchamps
The best ways to get to Spa-Francorchamps:
Where to Stay When Visiting Spa-Francorchamps
There are various hotels, holiday rentals, and campsites you can stay at on your visit to Spa-Francorchamps.
- Hotels – From as low as $66 a night. The advantage is that it’s convenient and comfortable. The main downside is that you may have to eat out due to the lack of a kitchen, which could mean you spend more on food.
- Holiday rentals – Cheapest being around $81. You have your own space, essentially a home away from home, with a kitchen and all amenities. The downside is that they aren’t as secure as hotels, as most hotels will have on-site staff and security personnel.
- Campsites – Ranging from €300 for the smallest, to €500 for the largest tent. The advantage is that there is a campsite within a five-minute walking distance from the track. This means you get to avoid the traffic jams at the time of the event. The downside is, you may have to share with other people and it’s not as secure.
What to Do at Spa-Francorchamps
The Circuit
There are a host of events as well as the race itself, including qualifying. There’s also the Spa-Francorchamps Museum where you can see a collection of artefacts on the racetrack’s history.
The Area
The area surrounding the track is the scenic Ardennes, a vast green natural haven with lots of dense forests and hills. Interestingly, the area was once under German occupation – in 1918. The Treaty of Versailles saw it split away and eventually join Belgium in 1925.
Cities close to Spa are Theux, Pepinster, and Verviers. All are a mixture of the alluring and the contemporary, with scenic panoramic vistas of the green surroundings. They have a small-town feel to them, with plenty to indulge in. Why not sneak a peek at a snapshot in history at Pepinster’s Fort de Tancremont? Or for those with a sweet tooth, Verviers has the La Chocolaterie Darcis – a chocolate museum.
Other Tracks on the WEC
- Qatar – Qatar 1812 KM
- Italy – Six Hours of Imola
- France – 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Brazil – Six Hours of Sao Paolo
- USA – Loner Star Le Mans (Cota)
- Japan – Six Hours of Fuji
- Bahrain – Eight Hours of Bahrain
