The famous racing circuit at Spa-Francorchamps celebrates its centenary
In 1921, two motor sport enthusiasts, Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, designed the circuit, which was originally just under 15 kilometres long. It was just a few years later that it hosted two major car races, which, over time, would come to form mythical events of international renown: the 24 hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 1922 and two years later, the Belgian Grand Prix.
Originally, the shape of the circuit was more or less triangular, connecting Spa-Francorchamps to Malmedy and Stavelot by means of existing roads that could be used by ordinary traffic except during races. But it was only in 1939 that the famous "Eau Rouge" raidillon was built, which came to spice up the races with its steep curve that is no stranger to the circuit's reputation. Even though the world's greatest drivers voluntarily compete on the track today, its beginnings were more low-key. So much so that the first car race, scheduled for August 1921, had to be replaced by a motorcycle race, due to a lack of competitors (only one car driver registered!).
Among the legends of the "Ardennes slide", the prize goes to the German champion, Michael Schumacher, who won his 7th and final world driver's title on the "most beautiful circuit in the world", as he himself put it. On the list of winning drivers at the Belgian Grand Prix, Schumacher is joined by Ayrton Senna, Jim Clark, Juan Manuel Fangio, Lewis Hamilton, Jacky Ickx and Jérôme D'Ambrosio.