Spa changes bring GP return
Further changes have been made to Spa-Francorchamps' chicane as part of a circuit upgrade ready for the return of Formula One in the autumn.
The building works are the most radical seen since the circuit was shortened in 1979 and see the chicane become a tight 'S' bend and allowing for a longer start-finish straight for the F1 cars. The hairpin at La Source has similarly been moved slightly further from the start-finish line to provide a longer run to the first corner.
Significant investment has also been made in new pit and paddock facilities, with brand new F1 garages being constructed and a upgraded grandstand opposite. A number of redundant buildings around the pits have been demolished, leaving the paddock area with a much more modern appearance.
The engineering works are well under way, with completion scheduled for May. The track alterations are being carried out by the Wirtgen road-building group for the regional government of Wallonia, which owns the Spa track.
Gallery:
Illustrations and photographs courtesy Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
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