VALENCIA, SPAIN

ADDRESS

Circuit Ricardo Tormo

Autovia A-3, Salida 334

Aptdo. Correso 101

46380 Cheste

Valencia

SPAIN

Phone: 0034-96-35-14977

Fax: 0034-96-3514975

Website: www.circuitvalencia.com

E-mail: info@circuitvalencia.com

Ticket sales: contact circuit

Local tourist info: 0034-96-3510417

LOCATION

The track is just a few minutes drive from the city of Valencia on Spain’s eastern coast. From the city – a lovely place to stay with excellent nightlife and restaurants, though very noisy after the local football team play – follow signs for the airport until you are on the main A3 to Madrid, exiting at junctions 319 or 321. You will be able to see the circuit from the motorway itself (on your right as you head for Madrid), and there are plenty of signs. There are hotels near the circuit, but Valencia is a stone’s throw away and probably more enjoyable.

CIRCUIT LENGTH

2.95 miles

RECORDS

500 GP: Alex Criville, Spain (Honda NSR) 1:36.08 – 93.18mph (2000)

250 GP: Shinya Nakano, Japan (Yamaha YZR) 1:36.39 – 92.88mph (2000)

125 GP: Youchi Ui, Japan (Derbi) 1:40.63 – 88.97mph (2000)

SBK: Troy Corser, Australia (Aprilia RSV) 1:36.81 – 92.53mph (2000)

DETAILS

Opened only in 1999, Valencia has already established itself as a major venue on both the GP and WSB calendars. A combination of tight hard-braking corners, numerous changes in gradient and camber, and some sheer balls-out fast turns makes it a challenging proposition for any rider. It appears not to favour any machine in particular, though handling is more important than power and the relatively slippery surface means throttle control is crucial. Large gravel traps make it safe, but unusually for a modern circuit fans can see just about every corner – a bonus brought about not just by its design but by its position in a natural geological ‘bowl’. Another less common aspect of the track is its anti-clockwise direction. As a spectator, you are well catered for because every corner is contained within the large amphitheatre of spectating areas and pit area. As with any bike race in Spain, getting there early on race day is advised and if you can get tickets beforehand, it’s worth doing.