Key facts of Spa-Francorchamps famous corners

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, in its current 7km iteration, is the longest circuit on the current calendar, and a firm favorite among the Formula 1 drivers. F1Technical's lead journalist Balázs Szabó picks out key facts provided by the sport's governing body, the FIA.

It features fast and flowing corners such as Pouhon, Blanchimont and the Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex, along which drivers ascend flat out through the Ardennes Forest.

Spa-Francorchamps also requires a trade-off for teams and drivers to settle upon the best approach. The power-hungry first and third sectors – which are almost flat-out bar the La Source hairpin and Bus Stop chicane – are counteracted by the lengthy middle sector with an abundance of medium- to high-speed corners.

This characteristics makes it difficult for the teams to identify the ideal aerodynamic compromise. In fact, it is not unusual to see cars that are very strong in the fastest first and third sectors, struggling in the second slower one, or vice versa.

Some combinations of corners, for example, Eau Rouge-Raidillon are very demanding and have unique characteristics, in this specific case a strong compression which puts a lot of stress on both the driver and the car.

La Source – This is the first corner of the circuit, a tight hairpin that requires heavy braking. It’s crucial for getting a good run down the following straight.

Raidillon – Eau Rouge – One of the most iconic corners in the world, Eau Rouge is a fast left-right-left combination that goes uphill. The challenge lies in the elevation change and the high speed required to navigate it successfully.

Kemmel straight – Following Eau Rouge, this is a long straight where cars reach some of the highest speeds on the circuit, leading into the next complex of corners.

Les Combes – A right-left-right chicane at the end of the Kemmel straight. It requires precise braking and offers good overtaking opportunities.

Pouhon – A very fast and daunting double-apex left-hander. It demands a lot of courage from drivers to take it flat out, and it’s crucial for maintaining lap time.

Blanchimont – One of the fastest corners of the circuit, a left-hander taken flat out. It’s a true test of car’s aerodynamics and a driver’s nerve.