Spa 24 Hours: A Historical Overview Ahead of the 2025 Race
As the 2025 Spa 24 Hours approaches, a retrospective reveals the rich history of this iconic endurance race, highlighted by notable achievements, technical milestones, and remarkable statistics.
Historical Context
The Spa 24 Hours, first held in 1924, benefited from significant historical events, most notably World War I, which altered the geographical boundaries of the track. Originally spanning both Belgium and Germany, the war paved the way for the establishment of the classic 14km circuit.
Recent Achievements
In 2024, Lamborghini secured pole position with Franck Perera clocking a record pole time of 2:13.718, translating to an average speed of 188.56 km/h—marking the fastest recorded speed for the current 7km configuration since its introduction in 1979.
Despite a spirited effort, the fastest lap during the race was set by Marco Mapelli at 2:16.105. This speed, though commendable at 185.26 km/h, fell short of Oliver Gavin’s 2009 record, the latter remaining unbeaten across all editions.
The pole margin of just 0.036 seconds was the third-closest in the event’s history, behind only the 2015 and 2019 races, which were decided by mere thousandths of a second.
Endurance Dynamics
The last 14 editions have underscored the competitive nature of the GT3 category, with an average pole position margin of a mere 0.124 seconds. The dominance of BMW is evident in both pole positions and race victories, leading with 25 wins despite a modest tally of only 13 pole positions across its endurance history.
Aston Martin’s Remarkable Record
Aston Martin celebrated a historic return to victory in the Spa 24 Hours in 2024, ending a 76-year drought since their last triumph in 1948. This extraordinary gap is unprecedented for any major race, inviting comparisons to other lengthy waits in motorsport history.
Class and Manufacturer Insights
The race has seen participation from 128 different marques over its extensive history, with 18 achieving overall victory. Mercedes-Benz showcased dominance in 2024, clinching three class wins—a feat accomplished only eight times previously.
Individuals within the driver ranks have also made headlines, with Andrea Bertolini recently announcing his retirement, holding the record for the most class wins at Spa and boasting notable success in endurance racing.
Drivers’ Nationality and Records
Historical data reflects a strong European influence among winners, with only seven non-European drivers having claimed victory. Belgium, Germany, and France lead the nation statistics, highlighting the regional expertise pervasive in the event.
In terms of consistency, the 1976 race showcased a unique victory from a privateer team, highlighting the diverse backgrounds still present in endurance racing.
Conclusion
As the spotlight turns to the 2025 Spa 24 Hours, the blend of technical prowess, competitive spirit, and rich history continues to fuel the event’s reputation as a pinnacle of endurance racing. The upcoming race promises to add another chapter to this storied legacy.
