Best Grandstands at Spa Francorchamps
Of course if you go to Spa you’ll want to see the cars take on the mighty Eau Rouge, one of motor racing’s most famous pieces of asphalt. If your budget allows I highly recommend doing this, though if the cost of the tickets makes your eyes water there are some pretty decent alternatives.
Silver 2 Grandstand
Positioned on the back straight Silver 2 lets you watch cars flash past and enter Eau Rouge to the left of field. The grandstand benefits from a super screen opposite, though some seats are a little distant. It won’t thrill the pants off of you but it does allow for a clear view of Eau Rouge without having to re-mortgage the house.
Gold 8 Grandstand
Gold 8 has an unusual view and is worth considering. Positioned at the mid point of the La Source hairpin you can see the start/finish straight to the right of your field of vision. Watch as the cars hurtle towards you and break into turn 1 before accelerate away down the back straight. You’ll see Eau Rouge in the distance albeit somewhat obstructed by the pit buildings. You also have a head on view down the pit lane, and the pit exit right in front of you. After the race you’re in a great spot to join in the track invasion and see the podium celebrations.
Gold 3 Grandstand
Gold 3 is one of the best grandstands for viewing Eau Rouge. Positioned about mid-way up the assent to the Kemmel Straight it points down the hill, allowing for a wide view of the cars starting at La Source and coming towards you before flashing past right in front of the grandstand. Gold 3 is also covered meaning you’ll have protection from the sun and your view won’t be affected if it rains.
There are some drawbacks though. The giant screen that accompanies the stand, while well angled, is quite distant. Furthermore, the quite low angle of elevation of this stand makes getting a clear view of the track an issue for fans further back as the cars seem to disappear from view on the accent up the hill. These are simple problems that make what would be a truly exceptional view merely a great one.
Gold 4 Grandstand
Gold 4 offers a more side on, wider angled view of Eau Rouge. It never seems as dramatic or as unique as Gold 3 but you do get a wider, more prolonged view of this famous piece of track. The grandstand isn’t covered which is a bit of an issue for visibility when the umbrellas go up as they almost inevitably will at some point. For the best views in Gold 4, try to get a seat high up on the side that is nearest the pit complex.
The view from Gold 4, Eau Rouge
General Admission (Bronze) at the Belgian Grand Prix
Spa’s general admission – or Bronze – views, are better than some. There is a reasonable variety and choice for spectators and the views of the track are generally decent with many giant screens around the circuit. If you’re prepared to get out of your sleeping bag early there are some great spots to be had and some that would even give certain grandstands a run for their money. As at any grand prix, take the time over the Friday to see as much as you can, and go to the track on Sunday with some kind of plan. Gates open at 8a.m. but for the best places aim to be there well before that time.
The view from Pouhon, Spa-Francorchamps
Of course Eau Rouge isn’t the only turn at Spa and other sections are very popular. Perhaps the best general admission area at Spa is to get yourself a spot on the grassy hill at Pouhon. From here you have a view of a series of high speed turns that make up the ‘new’ portion of the track. There are numerous giant screens to help you follow the race.
Get to the track early and bag yourself a place high up on the hill for a wider view and less trouble with having your view blocked by the safety fence and advertising hoardings that line the track. It’s one of the favorite places for Spa regulars owing to it’s wide sweeping views and lively atmosphere. These veteran F1 spectators even bring small spades to dig a little hole or ridge in the side of the hill to allow a nice horizontal seating position for their camping chairs.
It’s worth spending at least a bit of time at the Bus Stop chicane – the final chicane before the start/finish straight. Here the cars are quite close to you and you get to experience the fast changes of direction as the drivers weave a line through this section. You’ll also see the pit entry and will be in a prime location for a track invasion at the end of the race.
It is possible to view Eau Rouge from general admission, though it’s probably not somewhere you’ll want to spend the whole race. There is a spot to the right of Grandstand Gold 4, though your view is obstructed a bit by the catch-fencing. You can also catch a distant, rear facing view of the iconic section from the F1 Village.
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 25 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
