Track-side for the WEC at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: An honest review

Benjamin Crundwell
Jun 9
6 min read

Updated: Jun 10

Written by Benjamin Crundwell, Edited by Aaron Carroll

Since the introduction of the Hypercar regulations in the WEC (World Endurance Championship) viewership has been on the rise as more fans are enjoying watching the racing on the TV; but what is the fan experience like trackside at the Spa 6 Hours in this ‘Golden Era’ of sportscar racing?

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most famed race tracks on the planet and many would argue it’s Eau Rouge to Radillion complex is the greatest piece of tarmac in motoring history.

The 6 Hours of Spa has run since 1953, named as the Coupe de Spa, then renamed 1000km of Spa. The race has been called the Spa 6 Hours since 2012 as part of the WEC season, popular for its high speeds and close racing.

Pricing

A ticket to raceday at the Spa Six Hours cost 55 euros (46 GBP), however under 12s could go free and there was a student discount available. When purchasing a ticket, there was an option to add paddock access but this would bring the price to 70 euros (59 GBP). Grandstand access was available with all general admission tickets.

The increase in price for a weekend ticket is small, meaning the only big expense is the extra cost of accommodation for more nights.

For 15 euros more the paddock access was a good deal. As well as being able to walk by every team's motorhomes and spot familiar faces. The paddock contained a pub with motorsport memorabilia hanging from its ceiling and merchandise/model stores.

The pitwalk would set fans another 15 euros (12.50 GBP) back. Each team had its drivers outside the garage, taking pictures, signing autographs and handing out driver cards.

Unfortunately the queues to get into the pitlane were large, taking up to and over 30 minutes to get under the track and into the pitwalk entry: which was at La Source, although not clearly sign posted.

Once inside the pitlane, the queues did not die down, as the whole road was packed shoulder to shoulder. Furthermore, the queues to interact with the drivers were no quicker; for example to see a Hypercar crew, fans had to wait up to 20 minutes to meet their favorite drivers.

This was not ideal considering the pitwalk lasted an hour, with a 36 car field. However not all teams had such long queues, and most of the LMGT3 teams were fairly accessible. 15 euros was an exceptional price to get up close to the drivers; once you did meet one it was worth the money, even if you did only get to see a few of them.

Logistics

From the parking sites, spectators would have to walk up to 30 minutes to get into the track, fortunately queues to get into the carpark were not too bad, nor were they on the way out.

Google Maps or a satnav is rendered irrelevant near the track as traffic wardens direct cars down particular roads, but this is no problem as all the directions were clear and easy to follow.

There were a few queues to enter the track, however they moved quickly which was appreciated considering the intensity of the sun and limited access to shade.

As an extra, the Nürburgring track is only 70 miles away from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, meaning eager petrol heads can extend their trip by travelling to the German track in the days before or after they go to the Spa 6 Hours.

Facilities and spectating

Two Porsche Cup races featured across the weekend, keeping spectators entertained while the WEC was not in action. The two races took place at 09:20 and 10:25 local time, roughly four hours before the main event started so spectators needed to get to the track early if they wanted to watch these.

Additionally, there were H2 parade laps to show off the Alpine Alpenglow and Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris H2 concepts. The idea behind the programmes is to utilize zero-CO2 emission concepts which use hydrogen power.

The most popular locations to watch the start were in the grandstand along the start finish straight or the grandstands at Eau Rouge and Radillion. Each location was packed 45 minutes before the green flag fell.

Weirdly, just a few laps into the race, spectators dissipated out of the grandstands - freeing up spaces for other fans to get a better view of the race track.

Standing at the base of Eau Rouge and looking up to Radillion it is clear how remarkably steep the corner is. From the other end of the corner, the view from the grand stand at Radillion is arguably the best location in the world to watch a motor race.

Seeing the top class of sportscars sliding through the deadly corner is extraordinary, and every time two brave drivers tried to take it side by side the crowd let out a collective gasp.

Even during the race, fans were able to walk underneath the race track to travel between Eau Rouge and the Bus Stop Chicane, which made walking the track much easier.

You could view the race from any point around the track except for Stavelot, but there was a pass under the track which connected Blanchimont and Fagnes.

For reference, it should take two to three hours to walk a lap, while stopping a couple of times to spectate. This makes it perfect to start the race from the first couple of corners, then to walk the track and return to the first few corners again to watch the end of the race.

Unfortunately, the only big screens were located between the Bus Stop Chicane and Radillion, with there not even being a screen down the Kemmel Straight. This made following the race while not in the main locations very hard.

On the other hand, the service was strong all round the track, so anyone with a WEC TV subscription could stream the race off their phone. This is a rare phenomenon at a race track, as most struggle to provide reliable service.

There were plenty of places to purchase food and drink, although some of them refused to take anything but cash. The toilets were also well distributed around the circuit.

Those who paid an extra 15 euros for paddock access also got access to a nice toilet block, which was kept pretty clean. Additionally they got access to a pub which was a popular way to get out of the sun.

Five tips for future spectators

Prepare for every type weather: This year it was scorching hot, but usually it is highly unpredictable in the Ardennes Forest, switching from clear skies to torrential rain in a matter of minutes.

Explore the whole track: Getting to see racecars at all points round the circuit is not worth missing - especially at corners such as Pouhon and Blanchimont. When walking the track it’s advised to do it backwards, so you see the cars coming towards you while walking.

Buy a one race membership for WEC TV to follow the race while at the track: Don’t worry about the service letting you down!

Find a suitable spot to watch the start of the race well in advance: The most popular spots got busy roughly 45 minutes before the green flag. Despite the bustling crowds, the best place to watch the start is any of the grandstands between the start line and the Les Combes chicane.

Pay extra for the paddock access and the pit walk: While both experiences cost money, they are incredibly cheap considering the extraordinary access they provide.

Overall Verdict

“The more the merrier” is a phrase which applies well to endurance racing. A six hour race is always brilliant, and even more so watching a race in real life as fans get to watch cars on track for almost four times longer than most racing series.

For a fan looking to visit a WEC race, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the perfect place to go. As well as getting great views of the cars on track, the facilities provided by the circuit are of a high standard.

Most importantly, the prices are incredible compared to the likes of a Grand Prix. A full trip to the Spa 6 Hours (including travelling, accommodation and food) can be cheaper than the price of purely buying just a ticket to the F1 (excluding travel, accommodation and food) and the WEC has much better value for money as fans can get right up to the drivers and enjoy a much longer race.