Belgian Grand Prix
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Wednesday, 26 March 2008
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.
The thrill of the Eau Rouge is what makes this circuit extra special. This is the most famous part of the Belgian circuit which is both loved and feared by drivers.
The daringly fast corners bring out their best skills and the Eau Rouge is famed for making or breaking a driver's overall performance at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The circuit was conceived in 1921. Its creators, using public roads twisting and turning through the Ardennes hills, produced a truly majestic 13 km road course which was both respected and feared by all who drove on it.
The track was redeveloped in 1983 and although the new circuit in only half its original length, it retains much of its previous character and charm.
Considered by many to be the best circuit on the F1 calendar, Spa has the longest lap length of all, and is certainly one of the most scenically situated, surrounded by wooded hillsides and small farms. It is also renowned for its changeable weather.
Despite using public roads for half its length, Spa is used most weekends and on many weekdays for practice and testing.
Off track
Although this small Belgian town is best known for its Formula One circuit, its scenic surroundings and romantic hills and valleys offer a calm retreat away from the heat of the F1 track.
As the famed site of healing and bathing, Spa has been frequented as a soothing watering place for centuries and is believed to possess special healing properties.
This small unassuming town is where the generic term for ‘spa', found in hotels or luxury resorts, derives from.
But if the adrenalin is still flowing from the F1 track and you're looking for more of a city vibe why not hire a helicopter for around US$2,000 per day and fly to the country's capital of Brussels.
This is a luxuriously cosy city steeped in history and there are lots to see and do for the weekend visitor.
Explore this wonderful city on foot and get lost in the cobblestone alleys taking in the baroque guildhalls, splendid Gothic town hall and roadside gaggle of pavement cafes and intimate restaurants.
The backstreets of Brussels have so much to offer.
Formula fun
Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.
Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.
Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.
Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.
Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.
Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.
Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.
Canadian Grand Prix
With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.
French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.
British Grand Prix
The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.
German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.
Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.
European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.
Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.
Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.
Japanese Grand Prix
Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.
Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.
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