To improve its image, Spa-Francorchamps is undertaking new works until 2027

The most beautiful circuit in the world does not have the infrastructure worthy of its reputation. Work spread out until 2027 should correct this state of affairs and offer the public a much more modern experience in the Ardennes jewel.

Published 22/10/2024 à 12:15

Dominique Dricot

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To improve its image, Spa-Francorchamps is undertaking new works until 2027

© DPPI

« A circuit never ends being under construction ". This observation comes from Amaury Bertholomé, boss of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. For a man who comes from the political establishment and who only had a rather distant vision of motor sports, it is finely observed. Better: the general director of the Ardennes toboggan uses his ability to unite and uses the credibility that he very quickly acquired through his rigorous management to give the circuit the shine it deserves. We are far from the pharaonic, useless and megalomaniac works, the grand gestures and the taxpayers' money thrown out the window that were the norm in the past.

This time, it is not a question of developing the track (3,3 km of new asphalt was laid last spring), but of erecting or transforming its surroundings to make the stay at Francorchamps more pleasant, more comfortable and to align the infrastructure with the criteria of modernity found elsewhere in the world. The task is not simple as many aspects – particularly in the area of ​​welcoming the public or the organizers – have been regularly neglected in the past, but the work schedule that will start in mid-November should put Spa-Francorchamps back among the circuits worthy of the name.

(Photos: Spa-Francorchamps Circuit)

Let's start with one of the most spectacular aspects, even if this construction is not the first on the list: a "real" reception gate. Those who are used to the place know how disappointing it is that the first contact with the circuit is made by the reception of a gatekeeper housed in a shed. Compared to the prestige and reputation of the place, it is appalling. It will soon be nothing more than a bad memory. The renovation of the Ferme Foguenne, transformed into a reception gate, will give a good first impression. This gate will include reception offices and meeting rooms. This imposing footbridge should put an end to the saga of areas where all the people who had access to the paddock had to first go (sometimes 10 km from the circuit) before entering the holy of holies. Until now, Francorchamps had the knack of offering as many establishments to collect their passes as there were races contested. The work is scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

A new tower

A few months ago, the rumor about the disappearance of the Uniroyal Tower had provoked a wave of acerbic comments on social networks. This building, dilapidated and almost unsanitary, will be replaced by a larger, more beautiful and clearly more modern work.

The works, scheduled for the 2026 season, will include the construction of a four-storey tower with reception areas, including a panoramic terrace that will be able to accommodate 450 guests and a new podium. In addition to this building, which will replace the Uniroyal Tower, a footbridge will be built above the track. This will allow the public to come from the fan zone without going through the pedestrian tunnel to reach the paddock.

The old press room located above the stands Endurance, which was nicknamed with a hint of irony "Bernie Ecclestone Room" and which cost a whopping 2 million euros, has hardly ever been used since the construction of the pit building in the paddock. F1. This former press room will be demolished and transformed into a panoramic terrace. The work should be completed in April 2025.

These are the most spectacular works. Other developments are planned elsewhere. In particular on the Raidillon side where the site of the Old Customs House (this was the border with Prussia before the First World War) will be restored. In addition to the renovations of the two historic buildings, the circuit management plans to develop a park and create a passage leading to the Raidillon. There will also be a picnic area (with an open BBQ) which will serve as the starting point for an educational walk. In the paddock, construction of a permanent shop (right next to the Arbre qui tue) and a toilet block (end of work in April 2025), but also a medical center intended for the public with a space of twenty showers. This work should be completed in April next year. As for the staff working on the site, they will be delighted to learn that a new workshop will be built while the track marshals will benefit from the development of a new campsite from July 2025.

What about the rallycross zone?

Le Rallycross is dying on a global scale. The circuit designed to host this discipline, which is very spectacular and cost a whopping 6 to 8 million euros, will soon be dismantled. The area that hosted the track is already used, depending on the event, as a parking lot or entertainment village. As for the grandstands that can accommodate more than 10 spectators, they will remain for another season. On the circuit side, we admit that we don't really know what to do with them. Could they be used elsewhere, particularly for the F000 Grand Prix? Nothing is less certain. It is even possible that these materials, which are not ten years old, will be scrapped. In the series "The major useless works", the Spa-Francorchamps Rallycross circuit deserves a special place.

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