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Circuit Zolder

Coordinates: 50°59′20″N 5°15′20″E / 50.98889°N 5.25556°E / 50.98889; 5.25556
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"Zolder" redirects here. For the town of the same name, see Heusden-Zolder.
Circuit Zolder
LocationHeusden-Zolder, Belgium
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
CEST (DST)
Coordinates50°59′20″N 5°15′20″E / 50.98889°N 5.25556°E / 50.98889; 5.25556
FIA Grade2
Opened19 June 1963; 61 years ago (1963-06-19)
Major eventsCurrent:
ETRC Belgian Truck Grand Prix (1987, 1989-1995, 1997-1999, 2001-present)
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series (2015–present)
24 Hours of Zolder (1983–2019, 2021–present)
Former:
Formula One
Belgian Grand Prix (1973, 1975–1982, 1984)
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix (1980)
FIA WTCR Race of Belgium (2010–2011, 2020)
FIM EWC (1971–1972, 2006)
Sidecar World Championship (1980)
FIA ETCR (2022)
DTM (2002, 2019–2021)
TCR Europe (2020)
Blancpain GT Series (2014–2015, 2017–2018)
W Series (2019)
Superleague Formula (2008–2011)
Champ Car Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix (2007)
FIA GT (1999–2001, 2007–2009)
Masters of Formula 3 (2007–2008)
Websitehttp://www.circuit-zolder.be
Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present)
Length4.010 km (2.492 miles)
Turns10
Race lap record1:14.089 (France Sébastien Bourdais, Panoz DP01, 2007, Champ Car)
Grand Prix Circuit (1986–2001)
Length4.184 km (2.600 miles)
Turns10
Race lap record1:28.270 (France Olivier Grouillard, Lola T88/50, 1988, F3000)
Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1985)
Length4.262 km (2.648 miles)
Turns15
Race lap record1:19.294 (France René Arnoux, Ferrari 126C4, 1984, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1974)
Length4.220 km (2.622 miles)
Turns14
Race lap record1:23.850 (Belgium Teddy Pilette, Chevron B28, 1974, F5000)
Original Grand Prix Circuit (1963–1972)
Length4.186 km (2.601 miles)
Turns12
Race lap record1:26.400 (Austria Jochen Rindt, Lotus 69, 1970, F2)
Circuit Zolder, 6 November 2008

The Circuit Zolder, also known as Circuit Terlamen,[1] is an undulating 4.011 km (2.492 mi) motorsport race track in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

History

Built in 1963, Zolder hosted the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix on 10 separate occasions in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1980 Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix. F1 moved to Zolder in 1973 and with the exception of a race at Nivelles-Baulers in 1974, Zolder was the location of the Belgian Grand Prix until 1982. That year, Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve was killed during qualifying at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Villeneuve's Ferrari 126C2 collided at speed with the March 821 of Jochen Mass. The Ferrari was torn up in the accident and when rolling, Villeneuve was thrown from the car.

After Villeneuve's death, the Belgian Grand Prix was held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1983, before returning to Zolder one final time in 1984. Fittingly, Ferrari driver Michele Alboreto won the race carrying Villeneuve's #27 on his car. Since 1985, the Belgian Grand Prix has permanently moved to Spa.

Zolder has also been used for cycling events including the UCI Road World Championships twice in 1969 and 2002 and the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in 1970, 2002 and 2016. The latter saw the first confirmed use of mechanical doping when Femke Van den Driessche was found to have a secret motor inside her bike.[2] Since 2009, Circuit Zolder has hosted a cyclo-cross race in December for the World Cup. The circuit hosted the UCI BMX World Championships in 2015.[3] In 2019 and for the first time ever the UCI BMX World Championships returned to Circuit Zolder.

In the beginning of 2006, the track underwent safety adaptations. In 2007, the track hosted a Champ Car World Series Grand Prix, and a round of the FIA GT Championship. The track was venue of a round of the World Series by Renault championship from 2003 to 2006, and replaced Zandvoort as site for the Masters of Formula 3 in 2007 and 2008. Zolder was featured on the car programme Top Gear in 2008. In the episode, the show's British hosts competed against their German counterparts from D MOTOR. Zolder hosted also the FIA WTCC Race of Belgium in 2010, 2011, and 2020. The last race they drove in 2011 was won by Rob Huff in a Chevrolet and Gabriele Tarquini in a SEAT. The WTCC then disappeared from the Belgian circuits until in 2014 the circus returned to Spa.

At this time, mainly the Blancpain Sprint Series and the BRCC national championship hosted a race in Zolder. The 24 Hours of Zolder endurance event is also held as a stand-alone event around the end of August or the beginning of September. NASCAR Whelen Euro Series have hosted their final race of the season in Zolder since 2015.[4]

In 2019, for the first time in 17 years, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters returned to Circuit Zolder.[5] But the circuit lost its place in the DTM calendar to Spa-Francorchamps in 2022.

Noise limits

In general Circuit Zolder has a noise limit of 96 dbA, which is measured at 2 points along the track. One is just after turn 4 (Bianchi) and the second one is between turn 7 and 8. These can be recognised by blue poles. During international test days and most racing weekends, the noise limits are removed.

Layout history

Circuit Zolder layout history
  • Original Grand Prix Circuit (1963–1972)
    Original Grand Prix Circuit (1963–1972)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1974)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1974)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1985)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1985)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (1986–2001)
    Grand Prix Circuit (1986–2001)
  • Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present)
    Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present)

Lap records

The unofficial all-time outright track record is 1:12.821, set by Sébastien Bourdais in a Panoz DP01, during 2nd qualifying for the 2007 Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix. As of September 2023, the fastest official race lap records at the Circuit Zolder are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.010 km (2002–present)
Champ Car 1:14.089 Sébastien Bourdais Panoz DP01 2007 Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix
F1 1:14.108[6] Klaas Zwart [de] Jaguar R5 2019 Zolder Maxx Formula round
Formula Renault 3.5 1:17.781[7] Pastor Maldonado Dallara T05 2006 Zolder Formula Renault 3.5 Series round
Superleague Formula 1:18.806 Davide Rigon Panoz DP09 2010 Zolder Superleague Formula round
Class 1 Touring Cars 1:20.140[8] René Rast Audi RS5 Turbo DTM 2020 2020 2nd Zolder DTM round
FTwo (2009–2012) 1.24.038 Sergey Afanasyev Williams JPH1 2010 Zolder Formula Two round
Formula 3 1.25.680 James Jakes Dallara F305 2007 Masters of Formula 3
GT1 (GTS) 1:26.220[9] Andrea Bertolini Maserati MC12 GT1 2009 FIA GT Zolder 2 Hours
GT3 1:27.257[10] Nico Müller Audi R8 LMS Evo 2021 Zolder DTM round
Formula Renault 2.0 1:28.094[11] Xavier Maassen Tatuus FR2000 2006 Zolder Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 round
Formula Regional 1:29.629 Beitske Visser Tatuus F.3 T-318 2019 Zolder W Series round
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:30.756[12] Parijs Glenn Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup 2023 Zolder Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux round
GT2 1:31.449[13] Gianmaria Bruni Ferrari F430 GT2 2008 FIA GT Zolder 2 Hours
Superbike 1:31.676[14] Markus Reiterberger BMW S1000RR 2017 Zolder IDM Superbike round
FIA GT Group-2 1:32.523[13] Stefan Mücke Aston Martin Vantage GT2 2008 FIA GT Zolder 2 Hours
Eurocup Mégane Trophy 1:33.107[15] Jaap van Lagen Renault Mégane Renault Sport 2006 Zolder Eurocup Mégane Trophy round
Formula BMW 1:34.775[16] Esteban Gutiérrez Mygale FB02 2008 Zolder Formula BMW Europe round
Supersport 1:35.253[17] Marc Buchner Yamaha YZF-R6 2019 Zolder IDM Supersport round
ADAC Formel Masters 1:35.340[18] Artem Markelov Dallara Formulino 2011 Zolder ADAC Formel Masters round
GT4 1:36.506[19] Lucas Mauron [de] Audi R8 LMS GT4 Evo 2020 Zolder DTM Trophy round
TCR Touring Car 1:36.724 Nathanaël Berthon Audi RS 3 LMS TCR 2020 FIA WTCR Race of Belgium
Stock car racing 1:36.901[20] Alon Day Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR 2020 Zolder NASCAR Whelen Euro Series round
V8Star Series 1:39.249[21] Roland Asch V8Star car 2002 Zolder V8Star round
Formula Renault 1.6 1:39.277[22] Roy Geerts [pl] Signatech FR 1.6 2013 Zolder Formula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior round
Super 2000 1:39.517 Robert Huff Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T 2011 FIA WTCC Race of Belgium
ETCR 1:39.949[23] Nicky Catsburg Hyundai Veloster N ETCR 2022 Zolder ETCR round
DTM 1:42.558[24] Laurent Aiello Abt-Audi TT-R DTM 2002 2nd Zolder DTM round
Supersport 300 1:46.092[25] Victor Steeman KTM RC 390 R 2018 Zolder IDM Supersport 300 round
ERA 1:52.798[26] Michelangelo Amendola Mitsu-Bachi F110e 2022 Zolder ERA round
Super 1600 1:53.734[27] Niklas Mackschin Ford Fiesta 1.6 16V 2015 Zolder ETC round
Truck racing 1:57.165[28] Norbert Kiss MAN TGS 2023 Zolder ETRC round
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.184 km (1986–2001)
F3000 1:28.270[29] Olivier Grouillard Lola T88/50 1988 Zolder F3000 round
Formula 3 1:29.750[30] Christijan Albers Dallara F399 1999 Zolder New Race Festival
LMP 1:31.170[31] Manuel Reuter Kremer-Porsche CK7 Spyder 1992 Internationale AvD - EG - Troophy Zolder
GT1 (GTS) 1:31.348[32] Mike Hezemans [nl] Chrysler Viper GTS-R 2001 FIA GT Zolder 500km
WSC 1:31.552[33] Didier Theys Ferrari 333 SP 1997 International Sports Racing Series Zolder
N-GT 1:35.136[32] Christian Pescatori Ferrari 360 Modena N-GT 2001 FIA GT Zolder 500km
Super Touring 1:35.432[34] Gabriele Tarquini Honda Accord 2001 Zolder ESTC round
GT2 1:35.636[35] Julian Bailey Lister Storm GT 1999 FIA GT Zolder 500km
Class 1 Touring Cars 1:38.050[36][37] Nicola Larini[a]
Alessandro Nannini[a]		 Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI[a] 1994 Zolder DTM round
GT1 1:39.275[38] Bert Longin Dauer 962 LM 1999 Zolder Belcar round
Group A 1:42.110[39] Klaus Ludwig Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo2 1992 Zolder DTM round
Group N 1:48.400[40] Johnny Cecotto BMW M3 GTR 1993 Internationales ADAC Westfalen-Pokal-Rennen Zolder
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.262 km (1975–1985)
F1 1:19.294 René Arnoux Ferrari 126C4 1984 Belgian Grand Prix
Formula Two 1:25.090[41] Jonathan Palmer Ralt RH6/83 1983 Zolder F2 round
Group C 1:27.040[42] John Fitzpatrick Porsche 956 1983 Bergischer Löwe Zolder
Formula 3 1:30.800[43] John Nielsen Ralt RT3 1984 Zolder European F3 round
Formula 5000 1:30.900[44] Ian Ashley Lola T400 1975 Zolder F5000 round
Group 5 1:31.050[45] Manfred Winkelhock Ford Capri III Turbo 1981 Int. 15. ADAC-Westfalen-Pokalrennen Zolde
Group 6 1:34.900[46] Martin Raymond Chevron B31 1976 Grote Prijs van Limburg
Group B 1:38.420[47] Harald Grohs BMW M1 1983 Bergischer Löwe Zolder
BMW M1 Procar 1:39.140[48] Elio de Angelis BMW M1 Procar 1979 Zolder BMW M1 Procar round
500cc 1:40.820 Marco Lucchinelli Suzuki RGB500 1980 Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix
Group 4 1:44.800[49] Raymond Raus Porsche 934 1977 13e Bekers de Toekomst, Coupes de l'Avenir
Group 2 1:45.200[50] Dieter Quester BMW 3.0 CSL 1977 Zolder ETCC round
Group A 1:46.530[51] Gianfranco Brancatelli Volvo 240 Turbo 1985 Zolder ETCC round
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.220 km (1973–1974)
Formula 5000 1:23.850[52] Teddy Pilette Chevron B28 1974 Zolder F5000 round
F1 1:25.420 François Cevert Tyrrell 006 1973 Belgian Grand Prix
Original Grand Prix Circuit: 4.186 km (1963–1972)
Formula Two 1:26.400[53] Jochen Rindt Lotus 69 1970 Grote Prijs van Limborg
Formula Junior 1:41.000[54] Peter Arundell Lotus 27 1963 Grote Prijs van Zolder Junior
Group 5 1:48.400[55] Frank Gardner Ford Escort Mk.I Twin Cam 1968 Zolder ETCC round
Group 2 1:50.006[56] Jacques Demoulin Alfa Romeo 1600 GTA 1967 Zolder ETCC round

Events

Current
Former
Cycling

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Both drivers took the same lap time in both races of this round.

References

  1. ^ "Circuit Zolder".
  2. ^ Vinton, Nathaniel (1 February 2016). "Cyclist Femke Van den Driessche caught with hidden motor inside bike during race". New York Daily News. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  3. ^ "UCI BMX World Championships". Circuit Zolder. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  4. ^ "NASCAR Whelen Euro Series: What's New In 2015". whelen.com. Whelen. 20 April 2015. Archived from the original on 5 August 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  5. ^ Khorounzhiy, Valentin (12 January 2019). "DTM abandons night-race format at Misano round for 2019". autosport.com. Autosport. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  6. ^ "H. ESSERS Belgian Truck Grand Prix Circuit Zolder, length 4000 m 13. September - 15. September 2019 >> MAXX Formula Result Race 1" (PDF). 14 September 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  7. ^ "2006 Formula Renault 3.5 Zolder Race 1 Statistics". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  8. ^ "DTM 2020 » Zolder Round 16 Results". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  9. ^ "FIA GT Championship Zolder 2009". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  10. ^ "2021 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Zolder Race 2 Statistics". Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  11. ^ "2006 Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Zolder Race 1 Statistics". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  12. ^ "Volumex Belgian Truck Grand Prix - Circuit Zolder, length 4000 m - 09. - 10. September 2023 - Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux - Result Race 2" (PDF). 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  13. ^ a b "FIA GT Championship Zolder 2008". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  14. ^ "2017 IDM Zolder IDM Superbike 1000 2. Race" (PDF). 9 July 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  15. ^ "Round 1: Zolder Eurocup Megane Trophy Results Booklet" (PDF). 4 May 2006. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  16. ^ "2008 Formula BMW Europe Zolder (Race 1)". Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  17. ^ "2019 IDM Zolder IDM SSP600-STK600 1. Race" (PDF). 22 June 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  18. ^ "ADAC Masters Weekend Zolder 10.06. - 12.06.2011 Circuit Zolder ADAC Formel Ergebnis Rennen 2" (PDF). 12 June 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  19. ^ "DTM Trophy Zolder 2020". Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  20. ^ "2020 NASCAR GP Belgium Round 2 Results". Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  21. ^ "2002 German V8 Touring Cars Round 5: Zolder, 7th July". Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  22. ^ "Truck Grand Prix 2013 >> Formula Renaults 1.6 - Race 1" (PDF). 22 September 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  23. ^ "FIA ETCR - Race of Zolder 8-10 July 2022 Pool Furious - Semi Final 2 - 300KW - 40s. PU". 10 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  24. ^ "2002 Zolder DTM". Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  25. ^ "2018 IDM Zolder IDM SSP300 2. Race" (PDF). 8 July 2018. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  26. ^ "Circuit Zolder 8-10 July 2022 ERA Race - Final Ranking". 10 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  27. ^ "ETC Cup 2015 » Zolder Round 9 Results". Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  28. ^ "Volumex Belgian Truck Grand Prix - Circuit Zolder, length 4000 m - 09. - 10. September 2023 - Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship - Provisional Result Race 3" (PDF). 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  29. ^ "1988 F3000 Zolder Race Statistics". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  30. ^ "1999 New Race Festival Ergebnis Rennen" (PDF). Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  31. ^ "Interserie Zolder 1992". Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  32. ^ a b "FIA GT Championship Zolder 2001". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  33. ^ "International Sports Racing Series Zolder 1997". Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  34. ^ "European Super Touring Championship 2001 » Zolder Round 9 Results". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  35. ^ "FIA GT Championship Zolder 1999". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  36. ^ "Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft 1994 » Zolder Round 1 Results". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  37. ^ "Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft 1994 » Zolder Round 2 Results". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  38. ^ "Belcar Zolder BM 1999". Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  39. ^ "Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft 1992 » Zolder Round 1 Results". Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  40. ^ "ADAC GT Cup Zolder 1993". Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  41. ^ "1983 Zolder F2". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  42. ^ "DRM Zolder 1983". Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  43. ^ "1984 Zolder European F3". Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  44. ^ "1975 Zolder F5000". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  45. ^ "DRM Zolder Westfalen-Pokal 1981". Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  46. ^ "Interserie Zolder 1976". Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  47. ^ "Rennsport Trophäe Zolder 1983". Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  48. ^ "1979 Zolder BMW Procar". Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  49. ^ "Belgium Zolder 1977". Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  50. ^ "ETCC Zolder 1977". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  51. ^ "1985 Zolder ETCC". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  52. ^ "1974 Zolder F5000". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  53. ^ "1970 Zolder F2". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  54. ^ "1963 Grote Prijs van Zolder Junior". Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  55. ^ "Zolder 1 Hour - Division 2 1968". Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  56. ^ "European Touring Car Cup Zolder - Division 2 1967". Retrieved 16 May 2022.
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