Belgian Grand Prix

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has hosted an F1 GP race every year since 1985 with the exception of 2003 and 2006.

It is famous/infamous for two corners in particular, Eau Rouge and Radillon. Cars take these two corners flat out as they ascend a steep climb. This section of track has seen a number of deaths and has now been re-modelled to make it safer.

Drivers enter via one of two entrances and park in the multistorey car park near the paddock. From there, they can choose to walk to the lower or upper level swipe gates. That’s right, the Spa paddock is laid out over two levels with two staircases in the paddock connecting the levels.

The circuit is a 20 minute drive from the small town of Spa, but that can blow out to 60+ minutes when road closures are put in place. Good quality hotel accommodation close by is hard to find during the grand prix as the teams get first crack at them.

On the Wednesday prior to the race, many of the drivers arrive via private planes into Liege airport and then either drive to the track (40 mins) or take a helicopter (10 minutes). They then depart from Liege airport on Sunday night.

The most popular hotel with the drivers is the Hotel De La Source, a mere 150 metres from the first corner. Rooms are nigh-on impossible to book over the race weekend and the rates are right up there with Monaco but you’re almost staying on the track. If you’re hoping to see the drivers coming and going from this hotel, it’s a long shot as security is tight.

Those who don’t stay at De La Source often bring their own motorhome and stay in a secure area with other drivers.

There are a number of smaller, family run hotels in the region and the city of Liege is about 50kms away but be aware that the traffic into and out of the track is heavy on the weekend.