Combes grandstand at Spa Francorchamps is positioned between turns 7 and 8, Malmedy and Rivage (also known as Bruxelles).
The grandstand is split in to two halves. Each half is made up of two different blocks, giving four blocks in total which is why it’s called Combes 1 – 2 – 3 – 4. Depending on which block you sit in your view will be drastically different.
This is my full guide to this grandstand, and it explains where the different sections are, provides a seating chart and example views from each section.
Contents
What is Combes grandstand at Spa Francorchamps?
The Combes grandstand is a premium seating area with individual reserved seats that are raised up to give a slightly elevated vantage point at the side of the track for the Belgian Formula 1 weekend.
The grandstand is split in to two halves with a gap between each. And each half gave quite different viewpoints.
The image below shows the the two halves of the Combes grandstand at Spa Francorchamps.
Combes grandstand location
The Combes grandstands are located between Turn 7 Malmedy and Turn 8 Rivage (also known as Bruxelles). They’re on the outside (left-hand side) of the track just after the exit of Malmedy.
Malmedy directly follows the right-left of Les Combes, which is a heavy braking zone after the long Kemmel Straight that featured one of the Spa Francorchamps DRS Zones, which is now an Overtaking zone. The cars join the Kemmel Straight after going through the fearsome Eau Rouge and Raidillon corners.
Combes grandstand tickets
Tickets for Combes grandstand get you a reserved seat in the stand and access to the general admission areas around the circuit. It’s popular place to sit, however, so tickets can sell out fast on the official site.
So if you’re still looking for tickets I’d recommend buying tickets through ViaGoGo. That’s what I did because they always have tickets available right up until the last minute. You will quite often find them cheaper than the official price on there too, plus there’s a lot of single-day ticket options for more flexibility.
I bought my Belgian Grand Prix tickets on ViaGoGo about one week before the race. I had a great experience using them and won’t hesistate to purchase more tickets from them for this F1 season.
They also have a Fan Protect guarantee which guarantees your tickets and money are protected and safe.
Combes grandstand blocks 1 2 3 4
The Combes grandstand is split in to blocks 1, 2, 3 or 4. The layout of these can be seen on the image below.
Blocks 1 and 2 are in the half that’s closest to Malmedy. Blocks 3 and 4 are in the half closest to Rivage.
Grandstand details
- Sections 2 and 3 will be covered from 2026 onwards.
- Section 1 and 4 remain uncovered.
- The seats are fixed individual chairs with seat backs
- Each of the two halves of the grandstand has a giant TV visible. The TVs are on the other side of the track directly opposite each block.
This section of the track is quite narrow, the grandstands are close to the edge of the track and the TVs are directly on the other side of the armco barriers across the circuit. So the screens are easily visible without binoculars.
Combes grandstand seating chart
Below is the seating chart for the Combes grandstand at Spa Francorchamps.
As the seating chart shows, within each block are a number of different sections named A, B, C or D.
The sections increase from left to right as you stand on the track and look at the grandstands. The sections start from A at the beginning of each block.
Each part of the grandstand will have row 1 at the front, lowest down and closest to the track.
The seat numbers increase from right to left as you stand on the track and look at the stand.
View from the Combes grandstand at Spa
Blocks1 & 2
Blocks 1 and 2 are the closest to Malmedy corner. There is a large catch fence directly in front of the stand which you’ll be looking through, regardless of where in this part of the stand you sit.
From block 1 on the extreme right hand side of the stand you have the best view of the cars coming around Turn 7. You can even just about see them exit the final part of Les Combes before they turn in to Malmedy.
You then have a view of them as the head down hill towards Rivage, but the fans to the left of you in the stand will block your view of that slightly.
The map below shows the parts of the circuit visible from blocks 1 and 2 of the Combes grandstand highlighted in pink. The further to the right you sit in the stand, the more you can see before they reach Malmedy.
Here’s the view from Combes 1, looking back towards the exit of Malmedy:
And here’s the view from Combes 2:
The video below was filmed from Combes 1, just a few seats from the end of the stand in section A. This gives you an idea of the view and also shows the giant TV visible from here.
Blocks 3 & 4
Blocks 3 and 4 of the Combes grandstand are further down the hill and closer to the entry of Rivage corner. From here the earliest you can see the cars is once they’ve exited Malmedy. But you have a much better view of them entering Rivage.
If you sit in block 4 you get the best view possible of Rivage, as you’re able to see the cars turn in to the corner and disappear out of view just as they make the apex.
The map below shows how much of the track can be seen from blocks 3 and 4 of the Combes grandstand.
Here’s the view from Combes 3, looking down towards Rivage (Bruxelles) corner:
And here’s the view from Combes 4:
This video taken after the race from Combes 3 gives an idea of how much of the circuit can be seen from here.
Best seats
If I was booking tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix and was looking at the Combes grandstand, I would try and get tickets in block 1. From here you have the best view of any of the Combes stand sections of Malmedy, and if you’re lucky enough to be assigned some seats in the highest rows you can also catch a glimpse of Les Combes.
Being at the end of the long Kemmel Straight Les Combes and Malmedy always see some close racing and overtaking and the odd collision.
In contrast, by the time the cars have reached Rivage they’re more likely to be in single file and less likely to try and overtake each other. This, for me, is why section 1 is the best of the Combes grandstands to sit in.
Nearest parking / camping area
The nearest parking area to any of the Combes grandstands at Spa is the Green parking area which is also one of the official Spa camping areas and is directly behind the Combes stands, just one minute’s walk away.
Tickets for the parking can be purchased here:
Other Spa grandstands
Check out my spectator guides to the other grandstands at Spa Francorchamps:
- Max Verstappen stand
- Speed Corner grandstand
- 17 – 27 area grandstand
- Gold 1 pit grandstand
- Gold 2 GP2 grandstand
- Gold 3 grandstand
- Gold 4 grandstand
- Gold 6 grandstand
- Gold 7 grandstands
- Gold 8 grandstand
- Gold 9 grandstand
- Silver 1 grandstand
- Silver 2 grandstand
- Silver 3 grandstand
- Silver 4 grandstand
- Silver 6 grandstand
Nice website. Just wondering if you can give any advice between stands at Silver 3 or Combes (unfortunately no way of knowing if Combes 1,2,3 or 4) in terms of overtaking, view, time you see cars? Also as buying now have to choose between P1 travel and Gootickets – do you have an idea of which is more reliable?
Hi Jez. Silver 3 on the outside of Pouhon, not normally much overtaking there as it’s almost flat-out but you will see the cars cornerning super fast, but they’ll go by quickly. Personlly I’d choose one of the Combes stands, the cars will be slower and more likely to see some overtaking. I’d definitely recommend P1 Travel, plus they have a sale on some of their Belgian GP tickets here: https://p1travel.prf.hn/l/Pl4LLkB