Spa-Francorchamps circuit gets a facelift

Announced last year by Amaury Bertholomé, track manager, the Spa-Francorchamps track has undergone many modifications for this year. This includes a new surface for the track.

Works started in June.

To prepare for the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix that will take place at Spa-Francorchamps, the legendary Ardennes circuit underwent a major renovation. This includes resurfacing 3.5 kilometers of track, as well as over 600 meters of pit lane. These works aim to improve safety and driving conditions on one of the most challenging circuits on the F1 calendar. A section of the circuit had already been resurfaced last year.

Due to the difficult weather conditions in Belgium, these changes, which had already been announced before, started in June of this year. This new tarmac should provide the track with additional safety for the drivers by increasing the level of grip. « As we all know, track safety is a priority for the circuit,” Bartolome had said during the announcement of the modifications.

The new track, which was already available for use the next day, had the opportunity to host a few races since its renewal. In particular, the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, a race reserved for GT3 cars. According to Pirelli, who has already been able to assess the new on-track performances, GT3 cars this year have gained 3 seconds on their initial lap with the same tires as the previous year. Although the two categories are not comparable, simulation tests seem to show a significant improvement also for Formula 1 cars.

Now that the track better meets safety standards, the Formula 1 teams will have to adapt their preparation, especially if it rains on the circuit. They will also have to deal with the same tire compound.

Medium tires for racing

While Pirelli, the official tire supplier in Formula 1, offers a range of choices that may vary on the track, this year, like in the two previous editions, the brand will provide the C2, C3, and C4 tires. With a circuit that puts a high level of stress on tires, this choice is justified by the need to have tires that are both soft without being too soft, and hard, but not too much. This trio therefore appears to be the perfect choice as it sits right in the middle of the list of available tires.

The real issue that remains to be resolved with this weekend is notably the heat, which tends to cause numerous damages to the tires at Spa-Francorchamps, but also the rain that could bring intermediate tires into play.