Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix 2022 - Spa-Francorchamps Track Guide
Here's everything you need to know ahead of this year's Belgian Grand Prix, officially the Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2022.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit was built in 1921, when Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem designed a circuit between Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot, using public roads and a huge part of the Ardennes forest. The track was initially 14.9 km long but it was later redesigned and redeveloped in 1979, and, even though only half of the initial layout is still used, the circuit remains the longest one in the Formula 1 calendar.
What Spa gave us last year
Spa gave us literally nothing last year. Extreme rainfall started Sunday morning, making it impossible for the race to ever start. Race control kept postponing lights out, with the cars eventually rolling behind the safety car for a few laps, before Race Control announced that the race would not resume. Top 10 drivers received half points, with Verstappen finishing first, William's George Russell scoring his first ever podium, and Lewis Hamilton finishing third.
Track Characteristics:
Turns: 19
DRS Zones: 2
Circuit Length: 7.004 km (4.352 mi)
Total Race Distance: 308.052 km (191.414 mi)
Number of Laps: 44
Lap Record: 1:46.286 (Valtteri Bottas, 2018)
Direction: Clockwise
Elevation Change: 102.2 m
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of F1's most classic destinations, with several great drivers excelling on Belgian soil, breaking records and leaving memorable moments. The drivers love the track, as its perfect combination between long straights and demanding, high speed corners, allows them to really find the limits of their car. Mixed conditions are very likely, as the Ardennes forest has its own microclimate, which means that it could be dry on one part of the track, and soaking wet on some other. Grip relies a lot on the weather, as it's expected.
Tyres
Once again, just like last year, the three compounds in the middle of the Pirelli Formula 1 range have been selected for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: the C2 as the P Zero White hard, C3 as the P Zero Yellow medium, and C4 as P Zero Red soft.
Pressure and Camber info:
Minimum Starting Pressure (slicks): 25.0 psi (front), 22.5 psi (rear)
EOS Camber limit: -2.75° (front), -1.50° (rear)
Belgian Grand Prix Weekend Schedule
FP1 | 26 August | 13:00 - 14:00 GMT |
FP2 | 26 August | 16:00 - 17:00 GMT |
FP3 | 27 August | 12:00 - 13:00 GMT |
Qualifying | 27 August | 15:00 - 16:00 GMT |
Race | 28 August | 14:00 - 16:00 GMT |