Preparations for the 2022 TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa have reached an important milestone with the launch of the race's official poster and confirmation of a full timetable for the 28-31 July event.
This year's artwork is the fourth in succession created by Guillaume Lopez, whose instantly identifiable style has become closely linked with the Belgian endurance classic. The 2022 poster depicts headlights cutting through darkness against an unmistakably Ardennes backdrop, capturing a mood that is synonymous with the twice-around-the-clock contest.
At its centre we see the #21 Mercedes-AMG GT3, bedecked in its distinctive silver and red CrowdStrike livery. This recognises the recent announcement that the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa will receive unprecedented protection from cyber threats in 2022 and beyond thanks to a new presenting partnership with CrowdStrike.
Contrasting the darkness, we also see the fluorescent yellow of the #46 Team WRT Audi in which Valentino Rossi will make his TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa debut this summer. With the car also featuring local favourite Fredéric Vervisch and regular front-runner Nico Müller, it is certain to be closely watched by fans throughout the event.
Indeed, this year's TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa will welcome a full contingent of spectators back to the Ardennes venue, ensuring a true return following two editions run under Covid regulations. With the timetable also revealed, fans can begin to plan for race week. As ever track activity gets underway on Tuesday 26 July with the Bronze Test, a three-hour session that begins at 14:55.
Attention moves away from the circuit on Wednesday 27 July when the annual parade to Spa town centre makes a popular return following a two-year absence, allowing the public to see the stars and their cars in person. Open to attend free of charge, this will reprise the tradition of featuring every entrant contesting the twice-around-the-clock race, as well as some noteworthy additions from the support package.
The action ramps up on Thursday with significant running for the full field of TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa contenders. A 90-minute Free Practice will get underway at 10:50, followed by a one-hour Pre-Qualifying session at 16:15. This will set the stage for the main Qualifying at 20:35, which decides the 20 Super Pole contenders and establishes the starting order for the remainder of the grid. The day ends with Night Practice, providing competitors with 90 minutes' running in darkness from 22:15.
Friday evening traditionally produces the quickest laps of the event and begins at 18:15 with a 30-minute warm-up, which is open to the full field. Then, at 18:55, the Super Pole session will see the fastest 20 cars battle for top spot, with just one driver from more than 200 entrants rising above the rest to secure pole.
Meanwhile, a host of high-level support series will also take their turn on the circuit. The 2022 line-up includes familiar categories such as Lamborghini Super Trofeo and the GT4 European Series, while single-seater competition returns to the event thanks to the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and Championnat de France FFSA F4. There will be virtual action, too, courtesy of the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series. Real-world drivers will tackle a one-hour Assetto Corsa Competizione race in the on-site Fanatec Esports Arena at 15:05 on Friday, with overall and Silver Cup teams’ championships points up for grabs.
What’s more, a historic GT event organised by Peter Auto will join the programme to celebrate 30 years of SRO Motorsports Group. GT Anniversary 2022 will give spectators a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the most iconic machinery of the past three decades in a pair of 60-minute contests, while the cars will also make a special appearance in Wednesday’s parade. The second GT Anniversary race will represent the final competitive activity before the main event, with the 74th TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa setting off at 16:45 on Saturday 30 July.
In addition to the wealth of on-track entertainment, attendees can also enjoy the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa Fan Zone. Located at the bottom of Raidillon, attractions will include simulators, historic racing machinery, merchandising stalls, food and drink stands and much more. The Saturday evening concert will also make a popular return, with major names from the European music scene taking the event deep into the night. As such a significant spectator turnout is expected, while the race will also enjoy the usual extensive live coverage via a host of free-to-view online options, with French, English, German and Italian commentary options available.
The headline race of Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli, the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa is acknowledged as the global pinnacle in long-distance GT racing. Scheduled for 28-31 July, the 2022 running will represent the 74th running since its inauguration in 1924. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be another memorable edition of the Belgian endurance classic.
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