Belgium F1 GP
2009 Formula 1 ING Belgian Grand Prix
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Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Information
Spa-Francorchamps F1 Circuit
| Race Date | 30 August 2009 |
| Laps | 44 |
| Circuit length | 7.004 km (4.352 mi ) |
| Race length | 308.176 km (191.492 mi) |
| Grand Prix held | 42 |
| Spectactor capacity | around 90000 |
| Number of corners | 15 (left:7) (right:8) |
| Top speed | 330 Km/h |
| Downforce setup | low |
| Start line offset | 0 m |
| Most wins (drivers) | Michael Schumacher |
| Most wins (constructors) | Ferrari |
| Lap Record | 1:45.108 – K Raikkonen (2004) |
Belgian Grand Prix Overview
The Belgian Grand Prix is an automobile race, part of the Formula One World Championship.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the famous venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is also home to the 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is considered to be one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans.
Spa Francorchamps circuit is among the most historic on the Formula One calendar and was first used in 1924, its history long and entwining.
Designed by Jules de Their and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, the original 15 km (9.3 mile) triangle-shaped course used public roads between the Belgian towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot.
The lap distance was reduced slightly over the years, with some corners eased, but when the ‘old’ circuit staged its final Grand Prix in 1970 it still measured just over 14 kilometres and remained staggeringly quick – Chris Amon set that year’s fastest lap at an average speed of just under 245 km/h. Since inception, the place has been famous for its unpredictable weather. Jim Clark hated it, yet he won four races in a row, 1962 – 1965. The sun can shine in one section of the track, yet it can be pouring with rain in another.
Belgium Grand Prix
The danger here was ever present, with young Alan Stacey and Chris Bristow killed in separate accidents in 1960. By 1970, it was obvious that the speeds were getting too fast, so the track was discontinued, not returning again until 1983. This return saw the track distance nearly halved, with the removal of a section that was classed as really dangerous and thereafter it rewarded only the most talented.
More than twenty years on Spa remains the longest circuit on the calendar. Its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners, coupled with its picturesque setting, means that most drivers still rank it among their favourite tracks. Eau Rouge remained the most evocative corner, the scene of many accidents. Alex Zanardi escaped serious injury when he crashed his Lotus there in 1993, and in light of the tragic deaths at Imola, 1994 saw a new chicane added, but when run-offs were built in 1995, this corner thankfully came back into play.
Such is the challenge of Spa that only the truly great drivers can really claim to have mastered it. In fact just five men have won the race more than twice – Juan Manuel Fangio (three times), Damon Hill (three times), Jim Clark (four times), Ayrton Senna (five times) and Michael Schumacher (six times).
Belgian GP Fixtures
| Friday 28 August – Practice 1 | 10.00 – 11.30 |
| Friday 28 August – Practice 2 | 14.00 – 15.30 |
| Saturday 29 August – Practice | 10.00 – 12.00 |
| Saturday 29 August – Qualifying | 14.00 |
| Sunday 30 August – Race | 14.00 |
