New Spa surface will make track 1.5sec per-lap faster*

F1

*But with similar lap times as last year, as Spa's new faster surface will be counterbalanced by F1's slower 2022 cars

Image-of-the-Eau-Rouge-Raiddillon-corner-combination-at-Spa-Francorchamps-in-2022

New surface and run-off should make for better, safer racing, says circuit designer Zaffelli

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A newly-revamped Spa-Francorchamps will bring faster, more flowing racing to this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, according to the designer behind the circuit’s upgrade.

Jarno Zaffelli claims that the track is now in its “best” iteration ever seen in the modern era, following a full resurfacing, inceased run-offs and new stands.

Although the layout of the circuit remains the same, Zaffelli says that drivers will notice significant differences to some of its legendary sections, including the run down to Eau Rouge and up through Raidillon, as well as the approach to Pouhon.

Image of new grand stand at Eau Rouge corner on Spa-Francorchamps circuit

Spa’s significant renovation includes the building of a new grandstand at Eau Rouge / Raidillon

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After a number of serious incidents at the Eau Rouge in recent years, including the tragic fatal crash of Anthoine Hubert, a multi-car pile-up in W Series and a heavy shunt in GTs for Jack Aitken, the circuit commenced on an €80m refurbishment, both to improve safety and allow bike racing to return the Ardennes track.

However Zaffelli believes not only will the track now be a safer place for competitors, it will also bring better racing on an even faster circuit.

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“In the lap times we’ve seen so far, GT cars took out 1.7sec,” he says. “The fact is that even though we didn’t change the layout, the quality of the resurfacing job that was implemented by the local contractors – with our guidance – has seen a huge improvement.”

Lewis Hamilton last year complained that recent resurfacing had “ruined” Eau Rouge, commenting that a bump at the compression point in the point of corner made it particularly unenjoyable.

Zaffelli and his team 3D-mapped the circuit, identifying the worst parts of the track that were in need of resurfacing, creating a smoother asphalt and therefore safer yet more fluent racing experience.

“Now Eau Rouge is really flowing,” he says. “It’s not anymore something that is upsetting your vehicle. The goal is to challenge the driver without putting them at unnecessary risk. It’s in its best version in the modern era.

“The bumpiness is very much reduced round other parts of the track too, and it’s all offering increased grip levels.

Zaffelli gives another example of where significant change will be noticed by drivers.

WEC-prototypes-race-at-the-Six-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps

WEC has already held a round on the revamped circuit

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“When you go through Speakers corner [now Jacky Ickx], it sets you up for a faster entry into Pouhon.

“I got much feedback from drivers, saying, ‘Jarno, you changed the corner.’ I said, ‘I swear, the layout is exactly the same!’

“Before they were going in with a late apex, but now they’re going for an early one – but they were not able to understand why they were changing the line.

“Before there were two bumps because of a collapsed pipe – we have removed these. Now they can carry more speed.

“That’s why we think that Formula 1 lap-time will not be that different to the previous years. The cars are slower [by 1-2sec depending on conditions and the circuit], but will be counterbalanced by the quicker track. I think it’s something the drivers will enjoy.”