the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix. The official race lap records of the modern Spa-Francorchamps circuit for several top series have been listed as: In popular culture As the long-time home of the Belgian Grand Prix and its location within the Ardennes forests it has been a popular backdrop for all kinds of fictional media, from appearances in comics and motion pictures, to regular appearances in dozens of video games going back into the 1980s. Tour de France The circuit has been used several times in the Tour de France cycling race. In 1980, the circuit was part of an individual time trial stage, won by Bernard Hinault (); while in 1989, several laps of the circuit were completed before the finish of the third stage, which was won by 's Raúl Alcalá. In 2017, the circuit was used as part of the third stage, starting in Verviers, Belgium and ending in Longwy, France. Climate The area of Spa-Francorchamps is often rainy or having cool air temperatures, which has led to Formula One events such as the 1998 14-car pileup on a waterlogged track and the dramatic finish to the 2008 event, when rain fell during the last few laps after an all-dry race. The Royal Meteorological Institute runs weather stations both in Stavelot and in Malmedy, which both show similar oceanic climates with some interior influence. Although temperatures generally often stay above freezing in winter, snowfall is quite common. During summer, temperatures most often remain in the low 20s, with frequent cloud cover and showers. With the World Endurance race running in spring and the Formula One race in late summer, hot temperatures during high-profile events are very rare. See also List of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps fatalities Nürburgring (nearby fellow historical circuit in Germany). Notes References External links Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps One lap at Spa Classic 2011 on Kinomap BBC guide to the track BBC Belgian GP circuit guide Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps history and statistics Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Google Maps (current Formula 1 tracks) Historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Google Maps (1922) Spa Upgrade Work Begins Spectator testimonial of visiting Spa-Francorchamps Circuit info from official F1 site Formula One circuits Grand Prix motorcycle circuits Pre-World Championship Grand Prix circuits Superbike World Championship circuits World Touring Car Championship circuits World Rallycross circuits Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Motorsport venues in Belgium Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Belgian Grand Prix 1920 establishments