Thermal circuit damaged after being affected by heavy flooding
Heavy rains on Friday afternoon prompted the organizers of the Spa Euro Race, a racing weekend comprised of several regional GT and touring car championships, to suspend track activities.
After a brief recovery, the situation worsened when the track, located in a valley, was affected by severe flooding caused by flooding from a nearby river.
Participants quickly posted impressive video footage to social media of the endurance stands and the Eau Rouge area of ​​the track flooded by waves of muddy water.
The race weekend was quickly canceled after it emerged that several access tunnels were flooded and water had lifted parts of the track surface, causing damage to the asphalt.
“The surface of the endurance grandstand track, which has been raised by the forces of nature, will be repaved,” the circuit said in a statement on Saturday.
“The sides of the track have also been damaged and a very thorough cleaning is required. The floods not only washed away water, but also dirt and mud.
“Several parts of the circuit were flooded, including the VIP boxes, basements and tunnels of Ster, Eau Rouge and Blanchimont.”
The circuit also explained that the rock face on the right side of the Raidillon pit exit had been affected and should be reinforced, but was confident it would be able to make the necessary repairs by Tuesday to allow activities on track to unfold. resume.
“Our track workers and subcontractors have been very busy since Friday afternoon preparing for the race on the circuit again,” said Nathalie Maillet, CEO of Spa-Francorchamps.
“I can assure that the circuit will be operational again on Tuesday.”
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps after a storm
Photo by: Circuit Spa-Francorchamps
The flooding came as Spa undergoes a long-term, 80 million euro renovation to bring the aging circuit up to modern standards.
In addition to improving facilities for competitors and spectators, including new grandstands and VIP boxes, Spa will also reintroduce gravel traps at several key corners as it prepares for the return of bike races.
In June 2022, the track will host the Spa 24 Hours motorcycle after 20 years of absence from the FIM World Endurance Championship.