Sign up for the 6th Challenge
The registration closes on September 23rd at 12 pm. So, there is still time left to sign up for the upcoming Challenge on the virtual racetrack of Spa-Francorchamps. Whether you will be a driver or a spectator, we have some facts for you about this legendary place. Good to know for everyone who does not think primarily of saunas and whirlpools when hearing Spa.
Since the beginning
The track of Spa-Francorchamps is without a doubt one of the most legendary racetracks of our competition. 19 corners in total are spread across a length of approximately 7 kilometres. 100 meters height difference lay between the highest and the lowest point of the racetrack. The track has been part of the Grand Prix calendar since 1950, when the Formula 1 championship was being held for the very first time. Back then the route was different with a length of 14 kilometres. It was considered as one of the most dangerous racetracks due to the high average speed. That led to a redesign of the track at the beginning of the 1970s. In the year of 1983 the new layout was used for the first time in Formula 1. Winner was the later four-time world champion Alain Prost.
Records
The most recent record was achieved only two weeks ago. Lewis Hamilton took the lap record in qualifying with a lap time of 1:41,252 in his Mercedes. The fastest lap of a race belongs to Mercedes as well. Valtteri Bottas drove a 1:46,286 two years ago, which is still unbeaten today. However, the most successful team is Ferrari. 18 times was the race winner of Spa a Ferrari driver.
The rise of a legend
Michael Schumacher is one of the most successful race drivers in history and he has a special relationship to this track. In 1991 he celebrated his first Formula 1 appearance and in 2012 his 300th Grand Prix participation. His journey started with the team Jordan, as their main driver – Bertrand Gachot – had just got imprisoned before. Schumacher qualified on P7 and impressed everyone with his performance. Today he holds the record with 6 victories in Spa.
The Eau Rouge
A key point, which makes this track unique, is the corner combination called “Eau Rouge”. Nowadays, these corners can usually be driven flat in a Formula 1 car. But the corners with a gradient of 18 percent stays dangerous. Several severe accidents have already happened in the “Eau Rouge”. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about safety in our simulators. Even after crashing into the barriers of Eau Rouge, you will be able to get out of the car as nothing has happened. So, sign up for the Challenger League and become a Champion.
