Press release
Today, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is delighted to announce the start of the process for the first phase of work regarding the return of the EWC 24H SPA MOTOS international competition.
In mid-May 2019, the Circuit, in conjunction with Eurosport Events, announced the return of the Endurance World Championship to Spa-Francorchamps in June 2022, and now the next step is being taken.
This is accompanied by the presentation of a ten-year plan for investment of €80 million in order to support the diversification strategy for the Circuit's activities and the modernisation of its facilities.
Melchior Wathelet, Chairman of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps Board, said: "Today we’re going to address the future of an historic Circuit or, should I say, that we are launching the process that makes Spa-Francorchamps the historic Circuit of the future. The diversification strategy is on track. "
Nathalie Maillet, CEO of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps: "Through the investments made within the next 10 years, we will show that dreams can become reality. Starting with such a prestigious endurance race allows us reach our primary goal on our ‘motorbikes project’. "
This announcement is all the more significant in these difficult periods with activities and competitions taking place behind closed doors because of the Covid-19 pandemic. While racing is the DNA of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, it does not have the same appeal without the fans, the enthusiasts. Because this project includes large-scale developments for the spectators.
Willy Borsus, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, for Research and Innovation, Digital, Agriculture, Planning and Land-use Planning, the lFAPME [training] and Centres of Competence said:
"Today, we are talking of investment, and, as Minister for the Economy, that makes me very happy. As part of the framework for the return of the Endurance World Championship Motorbikes, a comprehensive strategic review was conducted, both of the arrangements necessary for the return of the international motorbike competition and of the Circuit infrastructure, because one cannot function without the other when running a business. Short, medium and long-term goals must be reconciled and investments rationalised while also ensuring a return on your investment. Thus, it's an effective tool with a long-term view to results that commits to the future today. The announcement today represents the first phase of a larger investment, with a 10-year plan and amounting to €80 million. All of which is financed by the Circuit as follows: its own capital €21M, via a bank loan €29.5M, and a repayable loan from Sogepa, another Walloon economic instrument, of €29.5M.
The upcoming work is divided into two main areas:
- The track
- The infrastructure.
The Track:
To host the EWC 24H SPA MOTOS, the track needs FIM homologation to grade C . The Circuit was committed to retaining the track layout without compromising it. Thus, work will primarily be related to the widening of track clearances and to the implementation of gravel beds at 5 corners: La Source, Raidillon, Blanchimont, Les Combes and finally Stavelot.
The infrastructure:
The ageing Circuit infrastructure is no longer worthy of the most beautiful circuit in the world. Rather than doing and undoing, the option chosen was to pair the work being done on track with much-needed infrastructural work for hosting spectators.
A key part of the Circuit is cruelly lacking a grandstand: the Raidillon.
It will include almost 4,600 seats with a panoramic view from all parts of the grandstand over Source, the Endurance area and Raidillon
5 boxes will be installed over the entire length of the grandstand for a total accommodation capacity of 1,050 people
Another grandstand, the 24hr, becoming obsolete, and the widening of track clearance encourage more comprehensive reflection aimed at rethinking its surroundings at the Source corner exit, in the Endurance descent where new infrastructure is also going to be constructed: covered grandstand, terraces, boxes.
Seating for 4,144 will be built with a panoramic view from all parts of the grandstand over La Source, the Endurance area and Raidillon
These will include seating for 3,000 with harmonious landscaping that respects the natural slope of the land.
2 superimposed boxes overhanging the grandstands. Each box is 315 m2 and they can accommodate 400 people.
That will represent more than 13,000 new seats to add to the existing 4,000 of the F1 grandstand and to the 9,000 of the Rallycross terraces, thus doubling the seating capacity of the Circuit.
A major project is being launched by the Circuit today. It is pursuing the momentum committed to four years ago to maintain this tool at the very top of its competence and at world class excellence.
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