Henri Pescarolo, the record holder of Spa-Francorchamps

Henri Pescarolo not only holds the record number of entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (33), but also the fastest lap of the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in its original configuration of 14 km. In 1973, he established (during the the race!) a lap time of 3'13'' 4, at a phenomenal average speed of 262.461 km/h, the world speed record on road courses. The former driver and now team manager of Pescarolo Team, remembers his exploits on this circuit that Formula 1 drivers boycotted in 1969.

 Henri, what does the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps represent for you?

"I've always loved fast circuits like Monza or Spa,” said the former driver. “The sensation when taking a fast corner at over 300 km/h is incomparable. I love the layout of the Nürburgring, which includes all the difficulties that may be encountered on a circuit, but I liked the old layout of Spa and including the Bernenville corner,  taken at the bottom of fifth. "

Under what conditions did you beat the speed record?

"It was in the Matra 670b, one of the best cars before the prototype ground effects make their appearance. It had extraordinary suspension, which was a big advantage at the time because some portions of the old track were very bumpy. I was not trying to beat the speed record, but to win the race. I struggled against talented drivers like Jacky Ickx and I was just looking to be as fast as possible. In fact, I learned long after the race that I realized that not only did I beat the circuit record, but also of speed record on a road course! "

A record that still stands, almost 40 years later ...

Interview by Cécile Bonardel

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Wednesday, 2nd May 2, 2012. Henri Pescarolo, present as a team manager in the Belgian Ardennes, still holds the lap record for the old Spa-Francorchamps circuit, but also the world speed record on a road course.