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FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

06.05.2019

The 6 hours of Spa is one of the highlights of the world endurance championship. Drivers love racing their LMP1, LMP2 or GTE machinery along the seven-kilometer-long track in the Belgian Ardennes. Last weekend was the second time during this infamous Super Season FIA WEC circus set up camp at Spa. So, the drivers knew what to expect. Or didn’t they? 

During practice and qualifying the weather proved to be a mix of sunshine, overcast clouds and the occasional shower. Nothing out of the ordinary for Spa. However, drivers and engineers were pacing up and down their garages acting rather nervous as the forecast for race day predicted snow and hail… On Saturday morning the racing circus woke up under a fine layer of white powder. During the night the temperatures dropped, and the prediction of snowfall had come true.

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

A weird sight in May, even in the Ardennes. When the sun came out, the light snow quickly melted and by the time the cars lined up on the grid, there was no more snow to be seen. When the green flag dropped, all was going according to plan and we were set up for another thrilling edition of the 6h of Spa. But the race engineers still looked worried because about 45 minutes after the race start a new cloud formation would cross the track bringing rain, or worse… 

When the sun faded behind a thick pack of clouds, the gates of heaven opened and out came melting snow and even hail. This set the tone of the race where bits of clean sunshine swapped places with snow and hail storms often so heavy bringing out the safety car. An incredulous sight that made this WEC race one of the weirdest ever. The Toyota #8 slithered to the finish followed by the Rebellion #3 and the SMP racing prototype with local boy Stoffel Vandoorne behind the wheel. 

But when it comes to the weather, seeing is believing: 

    

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

   

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

   

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

   

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…

  

FIA WEC in Spa almost became Trophée Andros…