Spa reveals extent of changes at Eau Rouge/Raidillon

Spa-Francorchamps' extensive transformations are ongoing, and the latest pictures released by the Belgian track provide a view of the changes at the Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex.

The daunting uphill sweep that has caused a lot of controversy in the past few years due to the number of high-profile accidents that occurred in the sector is a major focal point of Spa's €80 million renovation program.

However, while many have argued in favour of an alteration of the complex's configuration, suggesting a slight tightening of Eau Rouge to make the sweep a genuine corner once again rather than a flat-out stretch, there have been no changes to the area's layout.

Nevertheless, the run-off area on the left-hand side of the complex has been significantly moved back all the way to the top of the hill, while the run-off area on the right side has also been expanded.

That modification required the destruction of the famous Chalet that overlooked the track towards the top of Raidillon. In its place, a new covered grandstand of a capacity of 4,600 seats and a hospitality center is now in the process of being built.

• Read also: Spa-Francorchamps photos show facelift is underway

One feature that F1 fans will likely welcome is the installation of a gravel trap at a tangent to the corner, a feature that will inevitably penalize anyone running ride up the hill.

Gravel traps are also set to be added at Bruxelles, Blanchimont and at the La Source hairpin.

As a reminder, the track changes are mandated by Spa-Francorchamps' necessity to conform with a Grade C level of eligibility imposed by the FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) in order to return motorcycle racing to the track.

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