Without a circuit, organizing a race is impossible. Appearing at the end of the 70th century, permanent routes reserved for racing developed quite late. For a long time, road circuits were legion, even at the highest level. In more than XNUMX years of existence, the world motorcycle speed championship has passed through an impressive number of circuits, sometimes for just one edition. Together, let's try to name the ten most important circuits in the history of the championship.
The selection rules as well as the honorable mentions have been explained in the
first part, found here. This part follows the
third, published yesterday.
No. 6: Jerez
Inaugurated in 1985, the Jerez route was not unanimously accepted.. In Formula 1, it will some time later be the subject of legendary episodes, although its dangerousness is sometimes called into question. In 1987, the world motorcycle race settled in Andalusia for the very first time. Since then, Jerez has appeared on the calendar at least once a year.
35 consecutive years, it's very heavy. One sign is unmistakable regarding the track's reputation: the Spanish Grand Prix takes place there. Among the many Spanish circuits, it is indeed to this one that we attribute the prestigious appellation.
In 2020, it made history by hosting MotoGP during two race weekends in a row. Fabio Quartararo imposed itself there one after the other, and it is far from being the only historical moment experienced on these magnificent scorched lands.
The magnificent footbridge, recognizable at a glance. Photo: Box Repsol
From the invasion of the track in 1996 to the explanation
Rossi-Gibernau in 2005, all without forgetting the discord Lorenzo-Márquez in 2013, there is no shortage of significant events. On the route side, the latter pleases with its technicality and its “motorcyclist” aspect in the spirit.
This could be translated as narrow, tortuous and fine, as opposed to a “Formula 1” route made of sharp angles and “snail” turns, type
Austin, Sepang ou
Catalunya. Impossible to think of a season without Jerez, the most important of the Spanish motorcycle tracks. He thus deserves his place in the top 10.
No. 5: Circuit Ricardo Tormo / Valencia
Certainly, Valencia is a less glamorous and aesthetic circuit than Jerez, without a doubt. On the other hand, it benefits from a certain advantage: hosting the championship final for more than 15 years now. Obviously, that helps.
For this alone, Valencia deserves to enter the top 10. Dozens and dozens of crowned champions and absolutely historic races. We could evoke the explanation between
Luis Salom, Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins for the 3 Moto2013 title, or the rout of “The Doctor” during the 2006 final, benefiting a determined Nicky Hayden, but what's the point.
That day, Valencia was on Nicky Hayden's side. Photo: Box Repsol
We're willing to bet that all enthusiasts have at least one moment of joy and one moment of sadness in Valencia, no matter which driver they support. The route is also atypical. In addition to being anti-clockwise, it is a real turnstile placed in a boiling arena.
The latter was designed so that a spectator, regardless of their position, can observe the entire (or almost) circuit.
An effective style which is perfectly suited to the final where every turn, every acceleration is unmissable.
Since 1999 (without stopping either), Valencia has been forging memories. Unfortunately, above is too strong. The four remaining circuits are in the pantheon of motor sports,
quite simply.
See you tomorrow for the unveiling of places no. 4 and no. 3!
Cover photo: Box Repsol
