Countless tracks have been and gone from the Formula One calendar – including Zolder, once home to the Belgian Grand Prix.
Built in 1963, the circuit welcomed F1 on 10 occasions throughout the 1970s and '80s. The old Spa-Francorchamps had been deemed not up to FIA safety standards with the race cancelled in 1971 as a result, leading to Zolder sharing the hosting responsibilities.
Nivelles took the reins for the following year, but was highly-criticised for its ultra-safe layout. Zolder, in comparison, was an entertaining track – albeit never going to rival Spa.
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Jackie Stewart won the inaugural F1 race there before it became the only home of the Belgian GP from 1975 onwards. Niki Lauda went on to claim back-to-back victories from pole.
However, Zolder will always tragically be most remembered for the death of the iconic Gilles Villeneuve. The Canadian suffered a horrifying crash in qualifying for the 1982 GP which claimed his life.
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In the wake of that tragedy, Turn 7 was adapted from a fast right-hander to a chicane. A new and improved Spa then returned to the calendar 12 months later.
It was – and remains to this day – an immediate hit with drivers and fans alike, with Alain Prost claiming victory. Zolder hosted again in '84 as Italian Michele Alboreto came out on top.
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But that was to be the last time F1 raced there, with Spa becoming the permanent home of the Belgian GP. Since then, little has changed to the Zolder layout, aside from a few safety adaptations in 2006.
The track remains in use, hosting various racing events in the Noughties and even a visit from Top Gear. Nowadays, it's mainly the site of cycling races.
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