I am trying to identify a damaged machined metal component that I found at Spa-Francorchamps after the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.
After the Formula 1 race, when the circuit was opened to spectators, I found the component in the gravel trap on the outside of the exit of Turn 1, La Source.
The component may already have been lying there since an earlier session, so it does not necessarily originate from a current Formula 1 car. Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Porsche Supercup and a demonstration involving historic Formula 1 cars had used the circuit during the weekend.
Component details:
Approximate dimensions: 130 × 65 mm
Thickness: approximately 5 mm
Marked weight: 125 g
Four countersunk mounting holes
Hole spacing, centre to centre: approximately 100 × 50 mm
Marking or drawing number: 611678239E02-05-P0
Yellow handwritten marking, apparently 239 - 125
Machined recess on the rear side
Additional small metal block or bracket attached to the rear with two screws
The main component appears to be black-anodised aluminium, although the material has not yet been definitively confirmed
One corner is broken off
Part of a white livery graphic or sponsor marking remains on the front
Porsche Motorsport has already examined the photographs. They could not identify it as a Porsche component and explained that the number does not correspond to their usual Motorsport part-number formats. A standard Porsche Motorsport part therefore appears unlikely.
I have also contacted Officina Caira, the organiser of the historic Formula 1 demonstration, but I have not yet received a reply.
I would be interested to know whether anyone recognises:
the component itself or its likely function,
the part-number format,
the rear mounting or locating arrangement,
the remaining white livery graphic,
or a possible location on a current or historic Formula 1 car.
My initial thoughts were that it might be a mounting plate, retaining plate, access cover or part of a bodywork attachment, but this is only speculation.
Photographs of both sides are attached below.
Any help from engineers, race mechanics, restorers, photographers or people familiar with historic Formula 1 machinery would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Sven
