The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a legendary track in the heart of Belgium, boasts a rich history of corner names that reflect its unique character. Each turn has a story to tell, from the iconic Eau Rouge to the lap-ending Bus Stop Chicane. Let's delve into the fascinating origins of these memorable corners.
La Source
The first corner, aptly named La Source, translates to 'the source.' This is a fitting title, as it marks the beginning of the race and is the slowest corner on the circuit. Its name is linked to the numerous water sources in the region, a recurring theme among Spa's corners. The corner has been the site of several scary opening-lap incidents, adding to its mystique.
Le Raidillon de l'Eau Rouge
This section of the track is where the confusion begins. Eau Rouge, meaning 'red water,' refers only to the bottom of the hill and the stream that passes beneath the track. The name is a tribute to the distinctive red tint given to the water by high iron deposits in the soil. The hill itself, known as Raidillon, reaches a maximum gradient of 15%, making it one of F1's most widely recognized corners. The spectacle of drivers zipping up this steep path is a sight to behold, as exemplified by Mark Webber's audacious pass on Fernando Alonso in 2011.
Les Combes
After conquering the hill, drivers tackle Les Combes, a chicane sequence translating to 'the valleys' or 'ravines.' This could signify that the drivers have already passed the circuit's highest point and are heading downwards for the rest of the lap. Les Combes was the site of a stunning double overtake by Mika Hakkinen in 2000, further adding to its legendary status.
Malmedy
The right-hander of Malmedy is named after a Belgian city. When officials decided to host a race in the region in 1920, they mapped out a circuit along the pre-existing roads linking Spa-Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. This turn pays homage to the historical significance of the area.
Bruxelles
This long right-hander, which can feel never-ending in wet weather, honors Belgium's capital city, Brussels. Some still call it by its alternative title, Rivage, which shares its name with a local hamlet. The turn's name adds to the circuit's rich tapestry of historical and geographical references.
Jacky Ickx Curve
Turn 9, previously known as The Corner With No Name, was renamed after legendary Belgian racer and multiple Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx. Ickx competed in F1 between 1966 and 1979 and claimed eight victories. This turn now bears the name of a true F1 legend.
Pouhon
Pouhon, meaning 'the place where the water is drawn from,' alludes to the iron-rich mineral springs that have attracted tourists to the area for centuries. The track's modifications over the years have led to various names for this section, with French speakers sometimes calling it 'Double Gauche,' meaning 'double left.'
Fagnes
Turns 12 and 13 are officially titled Fagnes, mirroring the name of the nearby Fen nature reserve in the Ardennes Forest. This turn offers a breathtaking backdrop for racing. Locals, however, refer to it as Pif-Paf, a playful take on the chicane's rapid change of direction.
Campus and Curve Paul Frere
Another turn with a history of different names, the current title of Campus (tribute to the local Campus Automobile education center) was previously Stavelot after a nearby town. Curve Paul Frere, named after a Belgian racing driver and journalist, honors his contributions to the sport.
Blanchimont
The high-speed left-handers towards the end of the lap are named for a farm that sat near the track, reinforcing the circuit's connection to local Belgian landmarks. This final section of the track is a testament to the circuit's rich history and geographical context.
Bus Stop
The final corner, known as The Bus Stop or The Chicane, was once a public road and a bus stop. It was removed and slightly shifted in 2007 to create more space for the pit lane and start/finish straight. This corner's evolution reflects the circuit's ongoing development and modernization.
