Spa-Francorchamps undergoes major resurfacing and modernisation
Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that is due to take place at the end of July, it has emerged that the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has recently undergone some major resurfacing works.
The Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix will take place in Spa-Franchorchamps from the 26th to 28th July 2024. The track is famous for being the longest circuit on the current F1 schedule and is a drivers' favourite thanks to its challenging layout.
It has emerged that the circuit went through a resurfacing work between June 9 and 14 while other maintenance saw the track carry out various works on its site to improve its infrastructure.
The circuit noted that "these works are fully in line with the company's 2024-2028 strategy, adopted in autumn 2023."
Some sections of the runway will be resurfaced, representing a total of 3.5 km of runway and over 600 m of pitlane, or some 43,000 sq. m. of surface area.
The new tarmac has been laid on the following bends:
These major works, which follow on from the resurfacing work carried out in 2022 between Eau Rouge and Raidillon and between the Brussels bend and Speaker Corner (which has also been split to create a track dedicated to two-wheelers), aim to "improve safety conditions on the track and guarantee the best driving conditions for drivers." The sections to be renovated include some of the oldest parts of the circuit.
Commenting on the changes to the track, CEO Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Amaury Bertholome noted: "As we all know, track safety is one of the Circuit's priorities.
"A number of projects have already been completed this winter. One kilometer of new protective fencing (debris fence) has been installed along the track, new accesses to the track have been created for emergency vehicles, and a new vibrator has been installed at the Speaker Corner bend.
"Secondly, and this is of course an important issue for all circuits and particularly Spa-Francorchamps, water run-off on the track was improved with new gutters and grooving at the Speaker Corner. Various drains have also been installed to improve groundwater flow management.
Speaking ahead of the resurfacing, Bertholome noted that the resurfacing has been timed for a period in which temperatures are relatively stable.
"Half the track will be resurfaced. It's a real challenge, and we've called on the advice of specialist companies.
"The duration of the work may seem short, and the resurfacing to be carried out quickly, but their studies have shown that it is possible to drive on the track the day after the work has been completed.
"It has also been shown that laying new tarmac requires specific weather conditions. In the event of temperature variations, the strength of the asphalt can be problematic, which is why we decided to carry out the work in June.
"In fact, it's preferable to carry out the work over a short period of time, but at a time when there is the least difference in temperature between day and night," Bertholome added ahead of the work.
Furthermore, a new sound emission management system has also been installed. The entire sound measurement system, both hardware and software, has been replaced, in order to provide the latest generation of equipment for controlling noise emissions from motor racing activities on the Circuit.
Finally, improvements has also been made to the circuit's sound system, to provide spectators with greater comfort when listening to the speakers' comments during events taking place on the Circuit.
