Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps according to many people including some of the top F1 drivers is “the best Formula One track in the world”. The track is located in the Ardennes region of Belgium about 12km South East of the town of Spa, well known throughout the world for its health giving springs and beautiful countryside. The circuit has an unrivalled pedigree and history, making it a great location for any motoring activities.

The circuit has existed in a number of configurations since the early 1920’s with the current circuit comprising a 7Km loop running in a clockwise direction, with an elevation change of around 100m. The track winds its way through forests and hills rightly earning it the title of “most beautiful track in the world”. Two pit lanes exist at the circuit, namely the F1 (modern) pit lane and the Endurance pit lane. The circuit also contains two of the best corners in the world in Eau Rouge/Radillion and Pouhon and help make this a challenging and rewarding circuit to visit.

The season for Spa is from mid-March until mid-November, although this is being extended by RSR with some winter activities both on and off-track, but this timing is all weather dependent. The busiest months on track are from beginning of May until mid-September, with the track being closed for most weekends during this period due to race meetings such as the World Endurance Championships (early May), Spa Classic, 24 Hours of Spa (end of May), 6 Hours of Spa (mid-September) and not forgetting the Belgian F1 Grand Prix when the track is closed for 3 weeks form mid-August.

The weather is variable at any time of the year around Spa, typical average temperatures range from 2°C/35°F in January to 21°C/69°F in June & July, average rainfall is typically 114mm/4.5 inches in December to 72mm/2.8 inches in August. The benefit of this weather is that it makes the area very green and a beautiful setting for a race track. Start and end of season are typically quieter due to unpredictable weather, however, the track can be enjoyed in most weathers as it is well drained and most corners are predictable no matter if it’s dry or wet.

Alongside being the best driving academy at circuit de Spa Francorchamps, we at RSRSpa organise some of the most premium trackdays at this legendary track! Our events include all day catering services, a premium hospitality area to keep you and your guests warm throughout the day, a lunch buffet on the top of the F1 paddock with an amazing view of the track and to wrap it up a Champagne tasting at the end of the day. Before all this begins, Ron Simons – ex racing driver and proud owner of RSRSpa – takes you on an amazing trackwalk all around the F1 GP track. Investigating and explaining about the details on some of the world’s most demanding corners, this is a service that truly has to be experienced. If you want to find yourself amongst self minded people, with all inclusive services, professional instructors on the spot to tutor you for as much as you like, mechanical support and a vast car rental fleet on site then this is the trackday for you. No sessions, no restrictions, no time limit, no worries, no rush. Just driving time and fun until the end of the day.

Absolutely! RSR are happy to welcome drivers and their own cars on any event (as long as the car fits within the specified regulations for the day).

If not bringing your own car, your choice of track car rental depends a lot on your experience behind the wheel, on other tracks and of course your experience on Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the fastest track on the F1 calendar and has a mix of high speed straights and corners as well as slow speed corners. If it’s your first time at the track we would recommend one of our Renault Megane RS300’s as these are powerful enough for the straights yet safe and predictable in the corners, also depending on the weather they can be as quick around the circuit as many more powerful cars. If you’re determined to drive one of our more powerful cars on your first visit then we insist that you have mandatory tuition with these cars.

Although changing gears for yourself can bring a sense of satisfaction that no automatic can truly match. Changing gears manually also includes a certain risk in case of operation error; in particular mis-shifting into the wrong gear).

In a paddle shift / automatic car there isn’t the same danger of changing into the wrong gear. The computer controls which gears are possible, and when you want the car to go in a lower gear, the computers first calculate if the revs do not exceed the redline. In the case it would exceed the redline, it simply does not allow the selection of the lower gear.

In a manual car there is no such protection. For example: if you are in 3rd gear at the rev limiter and want to change up to 4th gear but instead hit 2nd gear, the car will be damaged due to human error. This not only affects the engine, but also the gearbox, clutch, drive-line, drive shafts and more! In the case of an mis-shift leading to an over-rev you will need to pay for the damages.

When is it NOT advisable for you to drive a manual / stickshift car?

• When you don’t drive a manual car on a daily basis on the road.
• When you normally drive a Right Hand Drive car (and the car you want to hire is a Left Hand Drive Manual).
• When you normally drive a Left Hand Drive car (and the car you want to hire is a Right Hand Drive Manual).
• When you have NEVER driven a stick shift car on a race track before.
• When you have had problems before with clutches, gearbox and drivelines on cars.

When one or more of the above is true, then we strongly advise you to switch to a paddle shift car. You can always contact us for advice beforehand. Automatic cars allow you to get down to the business of concentrating on driving on track, not on the task of changing gears in a potentially stressful situation.

If you’re in any way unsure or nervous, then the best thing you can do is pick an automatic car. This way, you can get on with the job of driving and handling traffic, without needing to concentrate on the (sometimes stressful) task of changing gear.

In short, while there is nothing physically stopping you, it is not a good idea. The ‘normal’ rental car companies often have GPS trackers, especially in the high end cars, which could then mean you are liable for (in the best case) new brakes and tires), or no insurance coverage in the case of an accident. You may also be banned from hiring from any and all rental companies for life for this.

See more about this on this page here: www.rhinocarhire.com – Can you take a rental car on the Nurburgring?

Our car rentals start from 18 years of age and over. Generally, the renter’s age is not key but a driver’s license and the right attitude is! It also depends on the sort of day (weather, traffic levels, track day, road tour or PDE) and experience. What we need to be assured of first however is that you are up to the job. We can do this by organising some private instruction or by starting you off driving in the lower powered cars first.

Passengers need to be a minimum of 16 years of age. Younger passengers will not be allowed to ride along in the cars. Taxi Laps passengers must also be a minimum of 16 years of age.

RSR requires a full driver’s licence from your country of nationality. An international driver’s licence isn’t required.

Keeping in mind that this is this is motorsport, which automatically carries it’s own danger – essentially, if you cause damage to the car, you pay to repair that damage. For a full run down of the processes and steps you can take if you want to reduce the risk, please take the time to read the following page:

• What happens in an Accident overview

We strongly recommend organising third party track insurance when you rent one of our cars. Motorsport is dangerous by nature and high-end sports cars carry a significant value for which you are responsible.

Third party insurance has to be organised by you, as it requires information that only you can provide. Some of our recommendations are below, as many of our customers have used their services and they are familiar with the needs for hiring a car with us. For more information and a quote, please contact the respective company directly.

Keep in mind that the below companies are only recommendations, and there is no connection or liability between the listed insurers and RSR. You are free to choose other companies. Before hiring insurance, do a thorough analysis and be aware of all terms of the contract, in particular the excess (franchise) conditions and exclusions on the final value to be paid to you.

In the unlikely case of an accident, you still have to pay RSR directly for the damages to the car, even if you are insured by another company – but then there is the possibility to claim some of your money back from the company you were insured with afterwards!

For more info about Track insurance, please visit this page of our website. 

To be sure you stay in Belgium will be as comfortable as can be, we put together a list of recommended restaurants and Hotels. We know from our own experience what the best place are to eat or sleep. If you still need advice, don’t hesitate to give us a ring.