Spa-Francorchamps to be shortened

Reports from Belgium suggest that the historic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps will undergo some drastic changes. The track is the longest on the Formula One calendar, but this might change for future editions of the Belgian Grand Prix.

At the moment, the circuit is 7.004 km and the drivers only do 44 laps. To make the circuit more attractive for Formula One fans, it would be shortened drastically. The plans are to connect the current Pouhon left-hand sweepers with Blanchimont. This would mean that the circuit will run through the forest where at the moment the paddock is situated for the lower racing classes. This would also mean that the Fagnes chicane and Stavelot will be left out of the new circuit.

The new track lay-out should be ready in 2010 at the latest.