Spa-Francorchamps, the world’s ‘best circuit’ turns 100

Brussels, Sep 6 (EFE).- Along with French fries, beer, chocolate and the Manekken-Pis, Belgians take pride in the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, “the best” Formula One circuit in the world and one that this year marks its centenary.

“We are really, really proud of the circuit because a lot of Formula One drivers (say) that this is the best circuit to drive, the most beautiful circuit,” Sebastien de Baere, the director of Autoworld, told Efe.

The Brussels automobile museum has dedicated an exhibition to the 100th anniversary of the legendary Belgian track.

One of its biggest attractions on race day is its unpredictability thanks, in part, to the ever-changing Belgian weather conditions.

At 7.004 kilometers, it is also the longest F1 circuit on the current tour.

“One lap of Spa is like 20 at any other track, in terms of the excitement and adrenaline it generates,” Fernando Alonso said in 2013 before a race.

The Spaniard was referring to the weather and the continuous changes in the track’s gradient.

This year, however, has been hellish for the track. Its CEO Nathalie Maillet was killed in an alleged murder-suicide committed by her husband in mid-August.

The Belgian Grand Prix, slated for August 29, itself a celebration of the track’s 100 years, was rained off.

The race, won by Dutchman Max Verstappen, barely lasted for a couple of laps behind the safety car, which drew criticism from fans and upset the Belgian supporters who sat for hours in the pouring rain.