Named after the nearby town from which the word ‘spa’ originates, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in the Belgian Ardennes and famous for arguably the most iconic corner in motor racing: Eau Rouge – Raidillon.
It has 3 layouts, however all layouts are identical, except for where you enter and exit the pits. Tips for racing on the track can be found by expanding the button below.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Track Map
Track to be replaced.
Racing Tips
Spa is a fun track with many overtaking places. There really is no need to try to gain spots at race start; play it safe and you will get an enjoyable half an hour on track.
Remember that voluntarily driving off track (1x) is illegal and can be protested. Also remember that if you are in a draft you will carry more speed at the end of a straight and will need to brake earlier.
Turn 1 Right: La Source
Slow and tight hairpin scene of many accidents at race start. Play it safe and do not try to gain places at the start – you will have many easier chances in the rest of the race.
Besides lap 1, passes can be completed here if strictly necessary; just avoid dive bombing. Keep in mind, however, that you will open yourself to being re-passed on the following Kemmel straight. Think carefully if you want to be ahead of or behind your opponent after the Eau Rouge/Radillion complex.
Turns 2 to 4: Eau Rouge & Radillion
Not a passing place. People have died attempting to overtake here in real life. We don’t risk the same fate, but it still makes no sense to attack here. If everything goes perfectly well, you will lose a lot of time – really a lot – by going side by side here. If it goes even slightly wrong, you will crash out heavily.
Turn 5 Right and Turn 6 Left: Les Combes, and
Turn 7 Right: Malmedy
You will have a chance to draft and pass on the long Kemmel straight, just after the Eau Rouge and leading onto Les Combes.
If you are not clearly alongside at braking point it is usually worth waiting for a better opportunity. Side by side through the Les Combes is not recommended if it can be avoided. In any case, do not dive into an apparent gap that will close before the apex, causing contact.
Turn 8 Right: Rivage
Not strictly a passing place because it is difficult to gain a sufficient advantage in the short straight leading to Rivage. If the other car makes a mistake, however, passes can be performed under heavy braking for this downhill corner.
It is tempting to dive bomb here… just don’t do it.
Turns 10 and 11 Left: Pouhon
No passing here. Turn 10 is a quick corner with very light braking and very narrow line. No room for side by side here and no purpose to attempt it.
Turn 11 is a fast corner that pushes the car wide, even off track at times. Pass attempts here end up in tears more often than not.
Turns 12 to 15: Fagnes & Paul Frere
No passing here, as well. Side by side might be possible, but it’s just a waste of time under normal conditions. Just fall in line and wait a few seconds for a much easier opportunity.
Turn 17 Left: Blanchimont, and
Turn 18 Right: Chicane
Very long flat out section terminating with heavy braking into a narrow chicane. Draft your opponent and attack here. However, be very careful not to force a side by side through the fast left hander (Blanchimont) and then drifting wide causing contact or off tracks. Remember that it is illegal to drive off track to gain an advantage.
At the chicane you must avoid dive bombing and attempt passing only if you are clearly alongside in the preceding straight. Both inside and outside passes work, just leave enough room for side by side racing through the narrow chicane.
If attacked here it is often better to concede the position uncontested, ready to take it back on the following lap.