Nathalie Maillet, Director General of the "Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps" company was delighted to learn that the Walloon Region was going to release subsidies to make Spa-Francorchamps the best-connected circuit from next year. The ambitious development plan that she had detailed in front of the members of parliament notably included making the circuit fully digital.

The practical measures required to achieve this project include connecting the tracks and safety rails with LED panels and visitors' smartphones which should considerably improve the visitor experience particularly based on a real-time game.

In order to broaden the audience to families and enhance the tourist environment, walks will be marked in stages where connected headsets will provide access to virtual reality. This project, which is set to be tested in 2018, is targeting 2021 and the circuit's centenary. Virtual visits to attract travellers, free wifi, a viewing area at Raidillon, etc. also feature on the programme.

"The circuit could not miss out this bend. Its connection could be approved by the sport's governing body, the FIA (Fédération internationale de l'Automobile) to become a model to be exported internationally", explained Nathalie Maillet.