Eau Rouge Through The Decades

Some say that, lately, Eau Rouge can be taken flat in a Formula 1 car.  But that's not true of lesser race cars, and hasn't been the case for any car for most of Spa-Francorchamps's history, which goes back to 1925.

Early post-war; the alternative course that went straight after the Eau Rouge bridge to a hairpin, and then uphill to rejoin
the course at Raidillon, is clearly visible in this picture. The first international race at Spa-Francorchamps was in 1925.

A sports car race in 1953.

Alberto Ascari's Ferrari 500 Grand Prix car in 1952 or 1953.  He and the 500 won the Belgian GP here in both years.

A sports car race in 1955, led by a Ferrari Monza.

Start of the Belgian Grand Prix, 1965.  Graham Hill leads Jackie Stewart, both in BRM's, from Richie Ginther in a Honda.

Practice for the 1000 Km race, 1969.  Jo Siffert tried this 917, but chose a 908 for the race.  It was becoming very clear
that the 917 was very (aerodynamically) unstable at speed.  But Porsche wanted some racing experience with the car,
so two other drivers were assigned to start it.  One of them over-revved and blew the engine on the first lap.  Some
say, intentionally.  I would have.  ;-)

In 1970 the Richard Attwood/Hans Herrmann Porsche Salzburg 917K finished 6th.

Fernando Alonso (Renault) leads Timo Glock (Toyota) and Nelson Piquet Jr. (Renault) in 2008 or 2009.