6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps: Preview

Grandstands at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The FIA World Endurance Championship heads to Spa-Francorchamps for the second round of the 2022 season.

Grandstands at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Toyota looking to fight back

The works Toyotas will be attempting to return to form after a disappointing Sebring 1000 Miles, won by Alpine and marred by a major accident for José María López in the #8 car.

After testing the car in Portimao in early April, the team are confident that they have resolved some of the issues that affected their Sebring weekend.

“We worked on some things for Spa as well, which should suit our car better than Sebring, where the bumps had a big impact on car balance and performance,” said Team Principal and driver of the #7 car Kamui Kobayashi. “So we expect to be fighting at the front and everyone is fully committed to get our first win of the season.”

Old track, new surface

Major works have been carried out at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps after some significant damage was caused by flooding in August 2021. Much of the old grandstands on driver’s left on the run down to Eau Rouge (pictured above) have been demolished. Other changes include a brand-new surface for the Belgian circuit and the addition of multiple gravel traps ahead of the return of endurance motorcycle racing in 2022.

The FIA WEC will be the first world championship to try out the revamped circuit and it will certainly be interesting to get the drivers’ views of the modifications.

No limits on spectators

For the first time in over two years, fans are able to return to the circuit and the paddock without any major restrictions!

Tickets are still available priced at €41.00 and include access to the tribunes, the paddock, the pit walk and signing session.

Spa weather

The Ardennes region is famous for its varying weather conditions and this race weekend looks to be no different. Heavy rain is forecast on Saturday, but it is unclear whether it will affect the race, which is due to start at 1:00 pm local time. Friday running may also be impacted by rain.

The 2019 edition of the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps famously saw snowfall during the race, while the 2018 race was blisteringly hot.

Check out our calendar page for the details on the session times.