Spa-Francorchamps F1
In the 2008 Formula 1 race in Spa, Lewis Hamilton was stripped of his Belgian Grand Prix victory by race stewards who awarded the victory to the second place driver Felipe Massa. Hamilton was penalized twenty-five seconds for cutting the Bust Stop chicane while fighting his wheel to wheel battle with Kimi Raikkonen during the final laps of the race. Lewis Hamilton will be returning for the 2009 addition and will again face Raikkonen… no doubt he will have his focus squarely set on regaining the loss he suffered in 2008.
Where to stay?
Spa has a myriad of accommodations available. It is a very popular destination due to its natural springs. Spa’s tourism trade is a thriving one, and as such, accommodations are available to suit any traveller.
Built in 1880, and remodeled in 1997, the A La Villa Des Fleurs has earned every one of it’s five stars with it’s multilingual, friendly and effecient staff. The Dorint Spa Balmoral is a much younger hotel, built in 1975, and remodeled only 2 years ago in 2007. It’s Four stars, and only 2km from the city center, and less than 10 from the racecourse. Le Pierre would be your ‘budget choice’ that’s anything but. With a private parking lot, and within walking distance from all of Spa’s Major attraction, Le Pierre would be the best choice for the traveller who is looking to cut out cost, and retain experience.
Getting to the event
There is an aerodrome on the outskirts of Spa, but Brussels is the nearest international airport to the event location at a two hour drive away. The only practical way to get to the event is by car. If you are unable to rent a car, your next option is to ride the rails to Liege. From there you can take one of the many buses that will be servicing traffic to and from the event.
