Drive your car at Spa

Track day specialist RSR offers the chance to sample the Belgian circuit’s greatest corners with four autumn dates

Hone your driving skills this autumn at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps with RSR, expert organisers of premium track days at the Belgian circuit and the Nürburgring for a decade and a half. With an open-pitlane, limited entry and no groups or overtaking restrictions, RSR track days maximise circuit time and put an onus on sportsmanship.

Drive your car on Spa’s storied asphalt, or hire one from RSR: its fleet stretches from a humble VW Golf R to a V8 Mercedes GT S. To find those extra tenths, you can book an expert RSR driving instructor; hiring one is mandatory if you’re taking one of their more powerful cars on track. Use of the modern F1 pitlane offers the fullest driver experience, but why not go further by hiring a private pit box or data-logging system?

Lapping Spa is always a thrill, as editor Nick Trott fondly remembers. “Spa is amazing to watch on TV and spectacular from the grandstand, but you’ve never really experienced it until you’ve driven a car around there,” he says. “I’ll never forget doing a full track day there in a Renaultsport Twingo – what it lacked in power it made up for in handling. Worrying the faster cars around the tighter sections of the track is something I’ll never forget.”

The ’Ring is only 60 miles away from Spa, which allows for an interesting double-header. “Why not combine your trip with a quick visit to Germany for some laps on the mighty Nordschleife?” says RSR boss Ron Simons. “Or take a taxi lap with a pro driver.”

Legends have been made at Spa. Now it’s your turn to make your own story.
www.rsrspa.com/product/trackdays
Available dates: September 6; September 28; October 13 (€795) and November 4 (€695)

HOW TO GET THERE

The most direct route from Calais is to take the E40 to Brussels and head onto the E42 at Liege. If you are likely to hit the capital at rush hour, a better bet is the E15 via Lens and Charleroi before joining the E42. Soak in the local history with excursions to Dinant or La Roche on this route. 

WHERE TO STAY

In terms of location, it’s tricky to beat the Hotel de la Source. Situated 200m from the famous first corner, you can abandon the alarm clock and wake up to the roar of engines. Alternatively, Sunparks Ardennen is nestled in the forest a half hour’s drive south. It’s a cheaper option in an attractive area.
www.hotel-de-la-source.com

DON’T FORGET

A lap of the historic 8.76-mile Spa circuit, taking in the real Les Combes, Malmedy and Stavelot corners, is a must. Marvel at another relic from the past 25 miles to the north at Nessonvaux – a rooftop test track built in 1907 by long-defunct Imperia make. 

COMING ATTRACTIONS

September 2017

IN THE UK

Sep 8-10 – Goodwood Revival, Goodwood A jewel in the crown of the historic racing calendar, the Revival’s headline acts this year include a bumper grid of pre-war ERAs and a celebration of Ecurie Ecosse.

ODDBALL

Sep 14-17 – Rusty Rally, Viking Route The brief is simple: find an old banger for less than £500, plot your route from Calais to Gothenburg in Sweden and a 1000-mile adventure will effortlessly unfold.

INTERNATIONAL

Sep 15-17 – F1, Singapore GP, Marina Bay Stars will be out as F1-turns-festival under the Singapore floodlights. Sebastian Vettel has form here — will he deal a decisive blow this year for Ferrari?

1-3 F1 Italian Grand Prix, Monza
1-3 HSCC Zandvoort Historic GP
8-10 MOTOGP San Marino Grand Prix, Misano
15-17 HSCC Spa 6 Hours, Spa-Francorchamps
16-17 HILLCLIMB Autumn Finale, Shelsley Walsh
29-1 F1 Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang

October 2017

IN THE UK

Oct 26-29 – WRC, Wales Rally GB One of the closest WRC seasons in years has already produced six winners in 10 rallies, but it still could produce a champion with a round to spare in Wales.

ODDBALL

Oct 5-8 – Malta Classic A hill climb, concours d’elegance and eight-car races through tight city streets make up a four-day celebration of vintage motoring around the vineyards and fortified walls of Mdina.

INTERNATIONAL

Oct 20-22 – F1/Masters USA, United States GP, Circuit of the Americas Hear how F1 should sound as Masters USA supports the Grand Prix. Expect great cars such as James Hunt’s 1977 McLaren M26.

5-8 WRC Rally Spain, Salou
6-8 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
13-15 WEC Fuji 6 Hours, Fuji Speedway
20-22 MOTOGP Australian GP, Phillip Island
21-22 MASTERS Estoril Classic Festival
27-29 F1 Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City