Zolder '79

In the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium, the Omloop Terlamen is situated close to the village of Zolder. Built in the early sixties, and opened in 1965, the track undulates through pine-covered sand hills. The area is dotted with lakes and the vast Albert Canal passes close to the track. The circuit was originally fast but the addition of two chicanes has made it safer though a lot less interesting. Zolder will always be remembered, however, as the place where Gilles Villeneuve died. No-one much liked Zolder before Villeneuve's death, afterwards it faded dramatically from the international scene. The rebuilt Spa opened in 1983 and the Belgian Grand Prix returned to its rightful home. Major changes were made at Zolder in 1986 including the new Villeneuve chicane, the reprofiling of many of the corners, extra curbs and concrete barriers. The plan was to win the Grand Prix back from Spa, but it did not work. It has 3 chicanes, 5 right turns and 3 left turns. Direction is clockwise. - Enis Dauti