The Brno circuit, despite its immense popularity with all Czechs, has no longer been on the program since 2021. If we can understand the management's reluctance to resurface the entire route, it is nonetheless a great shame for the world championship, of which Masaryk was an integral part for more than 50 years. This episode follows the one published yesterday, which looked at the history of the road layout and the beginnings of the Grand Prix.
Road circuits were no longer popular in the early 1980s. Thus, Brno was neglected by the world championship for a few years, while a closed route was built. For the record, the Grand Prix does not stop and a Frenchman, Paul Bordes, won there in 1985. The FIM announced the return of Brno for 1987, in the configuration we currently know.
Pedrosa's greatest victory? It's a debate. Photo: Vivek Shah
This jewel, let's talk about it. Very subjectively, we think it is one of the most beautiful in the world, at least among those used by the motorcycle world championship. There we find all the characteristics of a large track, namely elevation, bends offering magnificent overtaking opportunities, and above all, exceptionally, no asphalt runoff.. A real old-fashioned circuit, unparasitized by right-angle turns, hairpins and other attributes
“Tilkesques”. In addition, the surrounding nature gives it a lot of character.
The year 1987 was also the great return of 500 tsp : Faced with so much danger, the category has not competed in the Grand Prix since 1977. After an absence in 1992, Brno returned again in 1993, this time in its new form; the Czech Republic replaces Czechoslovakia after the famous
“velvet divorce”. Great moments have been littered throughout the history of the event, but there are too many to detail them all. Jumbled together, let us cite the domination of Max Biaggi, who, with seven victories in the Brno Forest, equals Giacomo Agostini. Impossible not to mention
his insane wheeling at the end of the 500cc race in 1998. Seven successes is also the total of Valentino Rossi, who won his very first career race there, 125cc class in 1996.
Brno, in the middle of Central Europe, is perfect for the Hungarians, who also had a Grand Prix a few decades ago. Here, the natural stands in 2012.
French side, Randy de Puniet (2003),
Alexis Masbou (2014) et Johann Zarco (2015) have all won at least one race, which makes it a particularly lenient place with drivers from France, in comparison with other world circuits. We could also talk about the spectacular battle between
Jorge Lorenzo et Dani Pedrosa in 2012, as well as this sensational victory of Cal Crutchlow in the rain in 2016, the first by a Briton since Barry Sheene in Sweden, 35 years ago! It is not finished : Also remember Brad Binder's triumph in 2020, the first success for KTM in GP.
Overall, let's remember Karel Abraham, a valiant driver if ever there was one, whose father is the current owner of the circuit. For a long time, he was the country's spearhead on the slopes, and did not disappoint as we noted in a previous article. We find it a real shame that MotoGP no longer sets up in the Czech Republic, as it is the second most visited venue (51 times), just behind Assen with its 73 performances. In addition, the public always responds. In 2019, Brno ranked fifth among the most attractive Grands Prix, with no less than 186 793
spectators over the weekend. Alone Chang (226 655),
Le Mans (206), the Sachsenring
(201 162) and Spielberg (197) did better.
Please give us Brno back! Do you also miss the circuit? Tell us in the comments!
Needless to say, Abraham's AB Cardion liveries were simply magnificent. Photo: Matthieu Pelletier
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
