A must-see of the MotoGP season, the circuit leaves no room for chance. The slightest misstep is the penalty. Every year, the races are lively there and the Spanish turnstile has had many moments engraved in stone. Let's embark on a trip back to the past, and for a trip to Jerez.
Jerez has this ability to highlight rivalries. Present on the calendar continuously since 1987, several drivers have had the opportunity to fight in the middle of the Spanish vineyards. Short, very technical and often contested during the hot periods of the year, he asks a lot of the heroes who make up the world championship grid.
Designed for Formula 1 and motorcycle Grands Prix, it was with ambition that the infrastructure was built. In both categories, the circuit is now considered classic as it helps level the level.
On two wheels, everyone remembers the Doohan – Crivillé rivalry in the 1990s, reaching its climax in 1996 when the Spaniard fell on the last left curve,
in front of a burning audience.
A little later, in the same corner, it was Valentino Rossi who attempted an impossible overtake on his rival Sete Gibernau, sending him out. Still in the same place, Marc Márquez achieved the impossible passing Jorge Lorenzo, thanks to the enthusiasm of youth. This daring maneuver heralded an epic battle for the title.
This footbridge is atypical, and fits well into the landscape. The fans, always in excess – not this year, obviously – do not fail to make the race even more spicy. Photo: Box Repsol.
But why is it so hard? Let's embark on a tour, in the same way as Laguna Seca. After passing under the sumptuous glass walkway on the pit straight, prepare yourself for an extremely difficult corner.
La Curva Expo '92: a right uphill with blind exit. Here, it's easy to pull straight and do the irreparable by trying to overtake. Casey Stoner, victim of an attack by Rossi at this location in 2011, will be able to confirm this.
If you manage to exit not too wide, grab the brakes directly for a downhill turn, always to the right. Indeed, the Michelin turn is essential because it conditions the trajectory up to the top of the next climb.
It is necessary not to widen, in order to be quick in the sequence of left turns that follows. The first sector is very tricky, and the larger ones, like Marc Márquez, were fooled.
These two left turns propel us towards turn five, a classic of the circuit. This is Dani Pedrosa's favorite bend: the Curva Sito Pons. The exit and the apex point is blind, which is why it requires a lot of gas to turn and maintain speed, offering us spectacular slides in the premier category.
The straight line that follows isn't really one. Barely after upshifting, you have to brake very hard for the right of Dry Sac. This turn is very spectacular to see in small categories, where it is not uncommon to find three to four drivers abreast. It was here that Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa suffered an impressive collective crash in 2018.
Full gas until turn 7, which passes quickly but not at full speed, then light braking for the left Aspar curve, also extremely technical and tricky as the trajectory widens. Still, make sure you are on the left side of the track for the two right turns that follow.
These two turns determine the end of the circuit, and especially one of the most terrifying turns of the season: curve 11 Álex Crivillé. This slightly descending right passes very hard and staying on the trajectory is essential, as gravel can lie nearby.
The route of Jerez on a map, to help you find your way around better. Credits: Will Pittenger.
Then comes a final turn to the right, also very fast, before attacking the monument. The Curva Jorge Lorenzo. Named in 2013, she was responsible for some of the most beautiful outcomes in the history of sport.
This left hairpin puts the drivers who are leading in difficulty and represents the perfect opportunity to lean on the man in front of you. In small categories, the show is always guaranteed.
The trick is complete, and all that remains is to complete more than twenty of them in the crushing heat. Jerez is all that, it's the sun and the scorched but magnificent Andalusian landscapes.
These are legendary races. So get ready, and don't miss this Sunday's meeting under any circumstances.
Cover photo: Box Repsol
