Let's Talk MotoGP: Here's What We'll Probably Never Have

Imagine for a moment: you have an unlimited budget and no constraints to create the best possible circuit. A tempting challenge, isn't it? To help you, I've written a short manual, putting the different philosophies into perspective, coupled with an analysis of current layouts. This will be organized in the form of a two-part plan, to remain clear and concise. We'll probably never have a perfect circuit in MotoGP, but we have the right to dream.

The Memorial

For now, you're spoiled for choice. Of course, the FIM will likely encourage you to choose a location unexplored by the World Championship, preferably in Southeast Asia, where motorcycling is booming, as evidenced by the popularity of riders in Thailand. This is a factor to consider. Thus, you'll need to target an emerging market interested in motorsports, while maintaining a connection to the past. The story serves to legitimize, to hook the viewer, to recall memories.

The circuit in Brazil is very promising.

For example, the Qatar Grand Prix is generally good, but it lacks that historical flavor, that touch of heritage. A good race at Assen will have a bigger audience than a great race at Losail. If we follow the criteria outlined above, Mexico seems like an ideal destination. The market is growing, fans are already keen on the F1 Grand Prix held in the capital, and two motorsport legends, the Rodríguez brothers, are carrying on the country's motorized heritage. Moreover, discussions were underway to organize one, without follow-up.

A little further south, Brazil or Venezuela could welcome you with open arms. In fact, choosing the Ayrton Senna circuit for 2026 makes perfect sense if we stick to this criterion! The Venezuelan GP was organized from 1977 to 1979, thanks to the popularity of Johnny Cecotto and Carlos Lavado. Asia is a bit clogged, with Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and India – we hope so.

The route

This is where the heart of the matter lies. If you can, try to find a naturally hilly spot; this gives the circuit a special character. This will be difficult to achieve, as the general trend is towards flattening, in order to improve safety. Contrary to what one might think, the difference in altitude has nothing to do with the spectacle, but makes the line recognizable at first glance, gives it a characteristic.

Next, it's important to create an identity, not a collection of several sectors. A circuit is designed in one go, not with predefined blocks. This is the main problem with Hermann Tilke and his projects.The German architect possesses fragments, and assembles them differently at the whim of the organizers. An article has already been devoted to these processes if you wish to know more.

Jerez is a very good example. It's a real arena. Photo: Repsol Box

The best circuits are assumed, with a sharp style. The most explicit example is undoubtedly Mugello, one of the best designed on the calendar.. There are only curves, and not a single sharp chicane. On the other hand, Le Mans and Brno – back on the calendar to my great delight – have a lot of 90° turns and chicanes, "stop & go" type. You can nuance, as at Le Mans but not make a dubious mixture – to say make one – of these two styles among others.

Similarly, Assen plays on the alternation of very fast curves and slow passages to break the rhythm. And so it goes for all the major circuits. Only hasn't done all the wrong things (because his pre-made tracks are of high quality), far from it, but this lack of convincing identity harms his creations.

These answers are just philosophical; no corner is better than another; it all depends on its position on the circuit. In any case, you will be forced into standardization (run-offs, materials, long laps, etc.) that will hinder your creative process. However, a specific feature seems to have proven itself to guarantee the show on the track.

A hairpin or very slow turn just before the finish. It's the hallmark of Jerez, Assen, and also Termas de Rio Hondo, which provides its share of twists and turns season after season. Aside from the obvious "spectacle potential," these corners convey the uncertainty inherent in motorsports, and many viewers will wait until the final corner to find out if anything happens, even if the race is boring.

Of course, not everything could be covered in this short analysis, which I hope you enjoyed. If you have any other ideas for your dream tour, Please feel free to leave a comment!