Friday, January 2, 2009
Race 3: Circuito de Jerez, España
Circuito de Jerez - Gran Premio de España MotoGP
Race Date: May 3, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,423 m
- Track Width: 11 m
- Longest Straightaway: 600 m
- Left Turns: 5
- Right Turns: 8
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1986
- Track Location: Jerez, Apdo de Correos, (Sevilla) España
- Event Promoter: Bwin.com
- Event Website: www.circuitodejerez.com
- 1st Place: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)
Built in 1986, shelter the first Grand Prix one year later, becoming one of the most popular circuit in the world. Situated in South Spain, has at its disposal two race courses of different lengths. Thanks to its structure, winter testing often takes place here.
Recent modifications to the Paddock and pit box areas of the circuit have turned it into one of the best equipped circuits in the World Championship.
Regarding the track, the new asphalt laid down in 2003 has solved the problem of the famous bumps. The only bumps remaining now are on the two fastest corners of the circuit, the Alex Criville corner and the Enzo Ferrari corner. These two corners are taken in fourth gear at more than 150 Km/h and with significant lean on the bike.
Jerez is a circuit where normally relatively hard settings are used in both the front and rear suspension. The riders come into the two hairpin bends on the circuit, the Dry Sack and the final bend leading onto the start/finish straight at great speed because they are preceded by two straights so the front suspension must be fitted with hard springs to stop it bottoming out. In the rear, due to the fact that there are many rapid corners, the suspension must be fitted with hard springs to keep the suspension rigid and to avoid the bike dipping too much.
Gear ratios are usually very short and with the increased power of the four-strokes teams now experience an added problem of the bike’s front lifting under acceleration. At this track it is not uncommon to see wheelies in higher gears, even in fourth and fifth!
Tyres are not normally a critical problem unless, as has happened on previous occasions, the temperatures reach higher than normal levels as this can produce problems in tyre performance.
Travel information
From Jerez Airport take the N-1V route towards Jerez, after 2km turning to follow directions to Seville, shortly afterwards turning off, following ‘circuito’ and joining the N382. Driving from Seville, follow signs ‘circuito’ to join the N382.
Circuit Permanente de Jerez
Ctra. De Arcos, km10
Apdo de Correos 1709
España
Tel: +34 956 15 1100
Fax: +34 956 15 1105
e-mail: prensa@circuitodejerez.com
HOW TO ARRIVE:
From Jerez airport, take N-1V route, direction Jerez. After2 km turn in direction Siviglia, afterwards turn following road signs 'circuit', and get into route N382.
By car, coming from , following road signs 'circuit' and get into road.
Recent modifications to the Paddock and pit box areas of the circuit have turned it into one of the best equipped circuits in the World Championship.
Regarding the track, the new asphalt laid down in 2003 has solved the problem of the famous bumps. The only bumps remaining now are on the two fastest corners of the circuit, the Alex Criville corner and the Enzo Ferrari corner. These two corners are taken in fourth gear at more than 150 Km/h and with significant lean on the bike.
Jerez is a circuit where normally relatively hard settings are used in both the front and rear suspension. The riders come into the two hairpin bends on the circuit, the Dry Sack and the final bend leading onto the start/finish straight at great speed because they are preceded by two straights so the front suspension must be fitted with hard springs to stop it bottoming out. In the rear, due to the fact that there are many rapid corners, the suspension must be fitted with hard springs to keep the suspension rigid and to avoid the bike dipping too much.
Gear ratios are usually very short and with the increased power of the four-strokes teams now experience an added problem of the bike’s front lifting under acceleration. At this track it is not uncommon to see wheelies in higher gears, even in fourth and fifth!
Tyres are not normally a critical problem unless, as has happened on previous occasions, the temperatures reach higher than normal levels as this can produce problems in tyre performance.
Travel informationFrom Jerez Airport take the N-1V route towards Jerez, after 2km turning to follow directions to Seville, shortly afterwards turning off, following ‘circuito’ and joining the N382. Driving from Seville, follow signs ‘circuito’ to join the N382.
Circuit Permanente de Jerez
Ctra. De Arcos, km10
Apdo de Correos 1709
España
Tel: +34 956 15 1100
Fax: +34 956 15 1105
e-mail: prensa@circuitodejerez.com
HOW TO ARRIVE:
From Jerez airport, take N-1V route, direction Jerez. After2 km turn in direction Siviglia, afterwards turn following road signs 'circuit', and get into route N382.
By car, coming from , following road signs 'circuit' and get into road.
Race 2: Twin Ring Motegi, Japan
Twin Ring Motegi - A-Style Grand Prix of Japan
Race Date: April 26th, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,801 m
- Track Width: 15 m
- Longest Straightaway: 762 m
- Left Turns: 6
- Right Turns: 8
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1999
- Track Location: Motegi (Tochigi Prefecture), Japan
- Event Promoter: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Event Website: www.twinring.jp, http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/english/
Honda constructed the 4.801km circuit, which also incorporates an Indy Car style oval, in 1997 in the hilly countryside 100kms north of Tokyo. It was a massive construction project and the complex also includes the famous Honda Museum and a hotel.
The track has a comparatively long back straight but a series of slow corners and also two tunnels which allows the oval to run round the outside. The circuit staged its first grand prix in 1999, the very wet Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by the Kenny Roberts riding the Suzuki. Roberts won the Pacific Grand Prix the next year at the track but after that it became the domain of the circuit owners Honda and also the Honda Pons team.
Valentino Rossi won the 500cc race at the Pacific Grand Prix in 2001 but after that Sito Pons's Honda team have won three races in a row. Alex Barros won on his first appearance on the RCV four-stroke Honda in 2002. A year later Max Biaggi brought the Camel Honda team success and in 2004 Japanese Grand Prix, Makoto Tamada totally dominated the proceedings. Not only did he win the 24 lap race, but he also started from pole position and set the fastest lap, riding the Camel Honda.
The track has a comparatively long back straight but a series of slow corners and also two tunnels which allows the oval to run round the outside. The circuit staged its first grand prix in 1999, the very wet Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by the Kenny Roberts riding the Suzuki. Roberts won the Pacific Grand Prix the next year at the track but after that it became the domain of the circuit owners Honda and also the Honda Pons team.
Valentino Rossi won the 500cc race at the Pacific Grand Prix in 2001 but after that Sito Pons's Honda team have won three races in a row. Alex Barros won on his first appearance on the RCV four-stroke Honda in 2002. A year later Max Biaggi brought the Camel Honda team success and in 2004 Japanese Grand Prix, Makoto Tamada totally dominated the proceedings. Not only did he win the 24 lap race, but he also started from pole position and set the fastest lap, riding the Camel Honda.
Travel informationApproaching using the JOBAN expressway: from the toll gate, head towards Kasama for 200m, then left at first signal, and right at next. This road merges into Prefecture 52. Follow Mito-Motegi road, Prefecture 51 to arrive at south gate. Approaching using the TOHOKU expressway: from the toll gate follow National route 119, merging into National route 4. Turn left towards Yanagida Bridge, taking Prefecture 69, merging into National road 123 to arrive at circuit north gate.
Twin Ring Motegi
120-1 Himaya Motegi-Machi
Haga-gun 321-3597 Tochigi
Japan
Tel: +81 2 85 64 0001
Fax +81 3 32780733
HOW TO ARRIVE:
The circuit is far off 100km from the Narita Tokyo airport. Using the fast route JOBAN: from the tollbooth , to continue forward Kasama for about 200 km, turn left at the first tollbooth and turn right at the successive one. This route joint into Prefecture 52. To follow route Mito-Motegi, Prefecture 51 for arrive to the circuit South gate.
Using the fast route TOHOKU: from the tollbooth, follow the national route 119, joining into national route 4. Turn left forward Yanagida bridge, taking the Prefecture 69; then joining into national route poi 123 that arrive to the circuit north gate.
Using the fast route TOHOKU: from the tollbooth, follow the national route 119, joining into national route 4. Turn left forward Yanagida bridge, taking the Prefecture 69; then joining into national route poi 123 that arrive to the circuit north gate.
Race 5: Mugello Circuit, Italy
Mugello - Gran Premio d'Italia Alice
Race Date: May 31, 2009- Pole Position: Right
- Track Length: 5,245 m
- Track Width: 14 m
- Longest Straightaway: 1,141 m
- Left Turns: 6
- Right Turns: 9
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1991
- Track Location: Mugello (Tuscany), Italy
- Event Promoter: Alice Telefon
- Event Website: www.mugellocircuit.it
- 1st Place: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)
At 5.245km the Mugello circuit is one of the longer contemporary MotoGP circuits, in no small part due to the fact that, unlike many other classically sculpted tracks, it has retained its original length and layout. Running across two sides of an impossibly scenic Tuscan valley, Mugello also differs from other super fast circuits in its frequent changes of gradient and the speed of its chicanes. There is a mix of slower and high-speed corners, although even the slowest corners are wide, allowing several ‘ideal’ lines.
Having foregone the modern tendency to reduce speeds by creating ‘bus stops’, Mugello’s four significant chicanes are taken at a relatively high pace. Balancing out the need for firmer suspension on the high-speed sections, which compress front and rear suspension due to centrifugal forces, is the requirement for enough pliability to give tyre side grip and traction around the slower off-camber corners.
The suspension set-up quest is further complicated by the fact that on one section of the track the approach to the corners is uphill, on the other half downhill, altering the parameters in the search for ideal spring and compression damping rates. Horsepower is a significant factor, with the long Mugello straight a possible passing place at top speeds of over 330kmph.
Good top speed aside, the rideability and balance of the machine have to be second-to-none at Mugello, such are its spread of corners. A magnificent but stern test of the complete machine, Mugello demands perfection lap after lap, but rewards precise and spirited riding.
Autodromo Int. del Mugello
Ferrari S.p.A
via Senni 15
50038 Scarperia
Italy
Tel: +39 055 84 99 111
Fax: +39 055 84 99 251
Google Maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Mugello, situated between Firenze and Bologna, is out of the motorway A1, on coming of Barberino di Mugello.
Coming from Bologna, to go out at Pian del Voglio and to pass Bruscoli, Passo della Futa, Panna, Galliano and Scarperia. Coming from Firenze take route 302 ‘Faentina’, to pass Fiesole, Polcanto, Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia. To follow circuit’s indications.
Having foregone the modern tendency to reduce speeds by creating ‘bus stops’, Mugello’s four significant chicanes are taken at a relatively high pace. Balancing out the need for firmer suspension on the high-speed sections, which compress front and rear suspension due to centrifugal forces, is the requirement for enough pliability to give tyre side grip and traction around the slower off-camber corners.
The suspension set-up quest is further complicated by the fact that on one section of the track the approach to the corners is uphill, on the other half downhill, altering the parameters in the search for ideal spring and compression damping rates. Horsepower is a significant factor, with the long Mugello straight a possible passing place at top speeds of over 330kmph.
Good top speed aside, the rideability and balance of the machine have to be second-to-none at Mugello, such are its spread of corners. A magnificent but stern test of the complete machine, Mugello demands perfection lap after lap, but rewards precise and spirited riding.
Autodromo Int. del Mugello
Ferrari S.p.A
via Senni 15
50038 Scarperia
Italy
Tel: +39 055 84 99 111
Fax: +39 055 84 99 251
Google Maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Mugello, situated between Firenze and Bologna, is out of the motorway A1, on coming of Barberino di Mugello.
Coming from Bologna, to go out at Pian del Voglio and to pass Bruscoli, Passo della Futa, Panna, Galliano and Scarperia. Coming from Firenze take route 302 ‘Faentina’, to pass Fiesole, Polcanto, Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia. To follow circuit’s indications.
Race 8: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, USA
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix
Race Date: July 5, 2009- Pole Position: Right
- Track Length: 3,610 m
- Track Width: 15 m
- Longest Straightaway: 966 m
- Left Turns: 7
- Right Turns: 4
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1956/ 1995
- Track Location: Salinas, California USA
- Event Promoter: Red Bull - www.redbullusgrandprix.com
- Event Website: www.laguna-seca.com
- 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)
Laguna staged the US Grand Prix for six years between 1988 - 1994 but financial and safety problems meant the last grand prix to be staged there was in 1994, won by Italian Luca Cadalora, riding the 500cc Yamaha. During the 11 year MotoGP absence, Laguna staged many successful rounds of the World Superbike Championship.
A programme of safety changes at the track, which includes the famous Corkscrew bend, have signalled the return of the World Championship in 2005 to a venue that was built in 1957. The MotoGP race is part of the race programme which will also include rounds of the AMA Championships, including the Superbike Championship.
Circuit configurationThe track configuration is somewhat peculiar with corners that are not found on any other circuits in the World Championship. The most famous part of the circuit is without doubt the “Corkscrew”, a very show chicane taken at approximately 60 Km/h and situated on a sharp down slope which can you a bout of vertigo if you go through it on foot!
Another point in the circuit worth mentioning is the start/finish straight which is very short and also made up of two slight changes in direction with the added problem that just before the second small change in direction there is a bump in the track surface where the bikes will literally take off in the air at more than 270 Km/h. This will be one of the key points to watch out for, because it is potentially a dangerous part of the track, but also one which will mark out the differences between the top riders.
Just before the “Corkscrew” corner there is another change in the track level where the bikes will almost certainly lose contact with the track, and it comes just before the sharp braking point coming into the “Corkscrew”.
The drop just after the “Corkscrew” is also very spectacular with two fast corners taken at 135 km/h leading up to the steep slope which leads to the very slow corner (60 Km/h) which comes onto the main straight. This could be considered a good overtaking point.
Travel information
The most spectacular permanent racing circuit on the West Coast of America, Laguna Seca is hidden away in a natural bowl in the hills which overlook Monterey Bay. It is two hours drive south from San Francisco but the beautiful and rugged Monterey Peninsular provides a wonderful place to spend some time in quaint Carmel, along Cannery Row or in among the cypress trees at Pebble Beach and along Seventeen Mile Drive.
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy.
Salinas CA 93908, USA
Tel:+1 831 242 82 01
Fax: +1 831 3730533
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Laguna Seca is the most spectacular permanent circuit, located in the American West coast. Is hided in a natural valley between mountains seeing on Monterey Bay. Situated at 2 hours by car from South San Francisco, near the Monterey Peninsular, it offers wonderful where to pass free time: Quaint Carmel, long walk along Cannery Row, la naturalistic Pebble Beach or the Seventeen Mile Drive.
Race 6: Circuit de Catalunya, Spain
Gran Premi Cinzano de Catalunya
Race Date: June 14, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,727 m
- Track Width: 12 m
- Longest Straightaway: 1,047 m
- Left Turns: 5
- Right Turns: 8
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1994
- Track Location: Montmeló, Catalunya (near Barcelona, Spain)
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.barcelona-football-tickets.com
- 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)
Catalunya circuit is made up of slow sections, with a series of corners taken at less than 85 km /h, and fast sections with coners taken at more than 140 km/h. Track also has two fast straights, where one of them is the fastest in the season. On the start/finish straight speeds of more than 320 km/h are reached whereas on the back straight the speedometer nudges 265 Km/h. Regarding the top speed reached on the main straight, there was a certain degree of controversy among teams and time-keepers during winter testing at the circuit.
The organisers registered a top speed of more than 347 km/h whereas the data from the telemetry indicated that speeds of just over 325 km/h were being set. The high speed on the straight means that, as is the case at other high speed circuits, the gear ratio must be set precisely so that the power delivery is always optimized. Unlike the Mugello circuit, where second and third gears are used predominantly, at the Catalunya Circuit all the gears are used during one lap. The first gear is used in the "Seat" corner, the second in the "Elf", "Repsol", "La Caixa" and "Banc de Sabadell" corners. Third is selected to negotiate the "Campsa" corner, the two corners leading onto the main straight and the complicated "Renault" bend. Fourth is used entering the "Repsol" and "Wurth" corners, and fifth to build up speed before the "La Caixa" corner. Sixth and top gear is engaged on the straights where the rear-wheel speed can reach 350 Km/h.
One of the peculiarites of the Catalunya circuit is the number of bumps and ripples on the track surface that have been appearing over the 13 years of its existence. Although the track was resurfaced recently, the bumps and ripples remain in some corners.
At the "Banc de Sabadell" the bupy surface is Duch that it seems to be designed on purpose to test out the suspensions. The "Renault" curve is also a tricky one to deal with since it is difficult to find the right racing line because the fastest line through the apex of the corner passes right through the bumpiest area of the track surface. Many riders choose to take a wider line which, in theory, is slower but in practice is more effective and faster since the apshalt is in a better condition on the outside of the corner. The bumpy surface at the circuit means that fairly soft suspension settings are used, even though this can have a detrimental effect on the bike's performance through faster corners.
Another thing to bear in mind when setting the suspension, particularly in the MotoGP category, is the relative lack of grip of the track. To counter the bike is set up with more weight on the rear to increase the rear-wheel traction. The lack of grip is visible on the television images as the MotoGP riders slide out of the Repsol corner where the telemetry can register a difference in speed between the front and rear wheel of up to 80 Km/h over 3 or 4 seconds. This difference is normally only visible at other circuits in wet conditions.
The lack of grip means that the tyres chosen must withstand very high temperatures since the constant sliding heats the tyres up to well over their ideal operating temperatures.
Circuit de Catalunya
"Mas La Moreneta"
Carretera Granollers - Parets, km 2
Apartat de Correus 27
08160 Montmelò (Barcelona)
Spain
Tel: +34 93 571 9709
Fax: +34 93 571 9772
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Situated at 20 km in North Barcellona and 80 km in South of Girona. Coming by car from Barcellona airport, to take the C- 246 Barcellona wards and get onto ‘ Ronda de Litoral B-20’, going out at ‘ Nus de la Trinitat. To proceed to Girona, taking the A-7 motorway as far as the way out 13VIC, then follow as far as the circuit.
The organisers registered a top speed of more than 347 km/h whereas the data from the telemetry indicated that speeds of just over 325 km/h were being set. The high speed on the straight means that, as is the case at other high speed circuits, the gear ratio must be set precisely so that the power delivery is always optimized. Unlike the Mugello circuit, where second and third gears are used predominantly, at the Catalunya Circuit all the gears are used during one lap. The first gear is used in the "Seat" corner, the second in the "Elf", "Repsol", "La Caixa" and "Banc de Sabadell" corners. Third is selected to negotiate the "Campsa" corner, the two corners leading onto the main straight and the complicated "Renault" bend. Fourth is used entering the "Repsol" and "Wurth" corners, and fifth to build up speed before the "La Caixa" corner. Sixth and top gear is engaged on the straights where the rear-wheel speed can reach 350 Km/h.One of the peculiarites of the Catalunya circuit is the number of bumps and ripples on the track surface that have been appearing over the 13 years of its existence. Although the track was resurfaced recently, the bumps and ripples remain in some corners.
At the "Banc de Sabadell" the bupy surface is Duch that it seems to be designed on purpose to test out the suspensions. The "Renault" curve is also a tricky one to deal with since it is difficult to find the right racing line because the fastest line through the apex of the corner passes right through the bumpiest area of the track surface. Many riders choose to take a wider line which, in theory, is slower but in practice is more effective and faster since the apshalt is in a better condition on the outside of the corner. The bumpy surface at the circuit means that fairly soft suspension settings are used, even though this can have a detrimental effect on the bike's performance through faster corners.
Another thing to bear in mind when setting the suspension, particularly in the MotoGP category, is the relative lack of grip of the track. To counter the bike is set up with more weight on the rear to increase the rear-wheel traction. The lack of grip is visible on the television images as the MotoGP riders slide out of the Repsol corner where the telemetry can register a difference in speed between the front and rear wheel of up to 80 Km/h over 3 or 4 seconds. This difference is normally only visible at other circuits in wet conditions.
The lack of grip means that the tyres chosen must withstand very high temperatures since the constant sliding heats the tyres up to well over their ideal operating temperatures.
Circuit de Catalunya
"Mas La Moreneta"
Carretera Granollers - Parets, km 2
Apartat de Correus 27
08160 Montmelò (Barcelona)
Spain
Tel: +34 93 571 9709
Fax: +34 93 571 9772
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Situated at 20 km in North Barcellona and 80 km in South of Girona. Coming by car from Barcellona airport, to take the C- 246 Barcellona wards and get onto ‘ Ronda de Litoral B-20’, going out at ‘ Nus de la Trinitat. To proceed to Girona, taking the A-7 motorway as far as the way out 13VIC, then follow as far as the circuit.
Race 9: Grand Prix Deutschland
CIRCUIT INFOPole Position: Left
Length: 3 671 m / 2.281 miles
Width: 12 m
Right corners: 4
Left corners: 10
Longest straight: 780 m / 0.485 miles
Official website : http://www.sachsenring-circuit.com
Circuit records:
- MotoGP 1'23.082 – D. Pedrosa (SPA), ’07, Honda
- 250cc 1'24.762 – M. Kallio (FIN), ’07, KTM
- 125cc 1'26.909 – G. Talmacsi (HUN), ’07, Aprilia
2008 winners:- MotoGP C. Stoner (AUS), Ducati
- 250cc M. Simoncelli (ITA), Gilera
- 125cc M. Di Meglio (FRA), Derbi
HOW TO ARRIVE
From Dresden Airport:
Highway A4 direction Frankfurt / Eisenach, exit Wuestenbrand. S242 towards Oberlungwitz, then B173 direction Hohenstein-Ernstthal.
From Halle/Leipzig Airport:
Highway A14 direction Dresden, highway Dreieck Nossen take A4 towards Eisenach until exit Wüstenbrand, S242 direction Oberlungwitz, then B173 direction Hohenstein-Ernstthal. Or alternative: Highway A9 till Hermsdorfer Kreuz, there take A4 direction Dresden, exit Hohenstein-Ernstthal/Sachsenring, then B180.
From Erfurt Airport:
Highway A4 direction Dresden, exit Hohenstein-Ernstthal/Sachsenring, then B180.
AIRPORT CONTACT
Halle/Leipzig: Tel.: +49 3412241155 (75Km.)
Dresden: Tel.: +49 3518810 (100 Km.)
Erfurt: Tel: +49 361 656 2200 (125 Km.)
Race 10: Donington Park, United Kingdom
Donington Park - Nickel & Dime British Grand Prix
Race Date: July 26, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,023 m
- Track Width: 10 m
- Longest Straightaway: 564 m
- Left Turns: 4
- Right Turns: 7
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1931/1984
- Track Location: North West Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.donington-park.co.uk
- 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)
Donington Park is a track of two halves. One section is slow and less interesting for the riders and spectators alike, the other is faster and more flowing. Machine set-up is also therefore something of a compromise, with strong front fork springs and sharp steering the ideal solutions for hard braking and swift flick-in at the chicane and last two hairpins, while the rest of the undulating fast and medium corners require suppleness from the front suspension and a high degree of stability mid corner, and a firmer set-up on the rear to help with corner exit traction.
Horsepower is less of a factor at Donington than some circuits, but clean engine response and exact gearing choices are essential to handle such a variety of corners, as the track runs downhill from the start to the Old Hairpin, then back uphill to the flat section behind the pits.
Working conditions at the ageing Donington track are far from ideal but the track layout is the type that provokes either love or hate, such is its individuality. The prevalent off-camber nature of Donington is one of the main factors at play during any British GP weekend, with a large tendency for the front tyre to push, making the right, left, right flick down the Craner Curve section something of a high tension rollercoaster ride. A dramatic viewing experience, Donington sits inside an amphitheatre style setting, with the spectator bankings ringing around the outside.
Donington Park Leisure Ltd
Donington Park
Castle Donington
Derby, DE 74 2RP
England
Tel +44 1332 810048
Fax + 44 1332 850422
e-mail: reception@donington-park.co.uk
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Located in the middle of English Midlans, is in the centre of motorway networks and near the 23 M1/A42 junction and the 24A M1/A50 one. Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, are the adjoining cities, everyone in radius of 30 km. East Midlands airport is next the circuit.
Horsepower is less of a factor at Donington than some circuits, but clean engine response and exact gearing choices are essential to handle such a variety of corners, as the track runs downhill from the start to the Old Hairpin, then back uphill to the flat section behind the pits.
Working conditions at the ageing Donington track are far from ideal but the track layout is the type that provokes either love or hate, such is its individuality. The prevalent off-camber nature of Donington is one of the main factors at play during any British GP weekend, with a large tendency for the front tyre to push, making the right, left, right flick down the Craner Curve section something of a high tension rollercoaster ride. A dramatic viewing experience, Donington sits inside an amphitheatre style setting, with the spectator bankings ringing around the outside.
Donington Park Leisure LtdDonington Park
Castle Donington
Derby, DE 74 2RP
England
Tel +44 1332 810048
Fax + 44 1332 850422
e-mail: reception@donington-park.co.uk
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Located in the middle of English Midlans, is in the centre of motorway networks and near the 23 M1/A42 junction and the 24A M1/A50 one. Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, are the adjoining cities, everyone in radius of 30 km. East Midlands airport is next the circuit.
Race 11: Automotodrom Brno, Czech Rep.
Automotodrom Brno - Cardion AB Grand Prix Ceské Republiky
Race Date: August 16, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 5,403 m
- Track Width: 15 m
- Longest Straightaway: 636 m
- Left Turns: 6
- Right Turns: 8
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1995
- Track Location: Brno, Czech Republic
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.automotodrombrno.cz
Grand Prix motorcycle racing started on the old Brno road circuit in 1965 with Mike Hailwood winning the first Czech Grand Prix on the 13.940 kms track, riding the MV Agusta. Like so may other road circuits, Brno was deemed too dangerous for grand prix racing in 1982, but already plans were being prepared to build a magnificent purpose built circuit in the hills above the city, which was famous for its beer and the manufacture of crystal glass.
The new 5.394 kms circuit was opened in 1987 with Australian Wayne Gardner winning the first 500cc grand prix, on route to his 500cc World title, riding for Honda. The circuit was slightly modified to it's present day 5.403 configuration in 1996 and most riders class the track as one their favourites, with it's undulations and mixture of corners.
Max Biaggi has the best record at the new circuit, winning four consecutive 250cc races starting in 1994 and three premier class grands prix in 1998, 2000 and 2002.
Automotodrom Brno a.s.
P.O. Box 1
64100 Brno
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 5 4612 3311
Fax: + 420 54612 3304
e-mail: info@brno-circuit.com
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Travelling by car from Praga or Vienna, take the A1 motorway. To take the way out 178 toward Ostrovacice or the 182 one toward Popuvky, then to follow the signs 'Grand Prix'.
The new 5.394 kms circuit was opened in 1987 with Australian Wayne Gardner winning the first 500cc grand prix, on route to his 500cc World title, riding for Honda. The circuit was slightly modified to it's present day 5.403 configuration in 1996 and most riders class the track as one their favourites, with it's undulations and mixture of corners.
Max Biaggi has the best record at the new circuit, winning four consecutive 250cc races starting in 1994 and three premier class grands prix in 1998, 2000 and 2002.
Automotodrom Brno a.s.
P.O. Box 1
64100 Brno
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 5 4612 3311
Fax: + 420 54612 3304
e-mail: info@brno-circuit.com
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Travelling by car from Praga or Vienna, take the A1 motorway. To take the way out 178 toward Ostrovacice or the 182 one toward Popuvky, then to follow the signs 'Grand Prix'.
Race 12: Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix
Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix
Race Date: August 30, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,186 m
- Track Width: m
- Longest Straightaway: m
- Left Turns: 6
- Right Turns: 10
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 2007/2008
- Track Location: Indianapolis
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Motor Indianapolis Speedway
4790 W 16th Street
Indianapolis IN 46224
(USA)
Tel: +1 317 4926741
Fax: +1 317 4926543
Google maps
HOW TO GET THERE:
Located on the west side of Indianapolis, just minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport. From I-465, take Exit 16A, crawfordsville Rd. Heast east approximately 2,5 km; the Speedway is located on the north east corner of Crawfordsville and Georgetown Roads.
Race 13: Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino
Misano - Gran Premio Cinzano di San Marino, Riviera di Rimini
Race Date: September 13, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,180 m
- Track Width: 14 m
- Longest Straightaway: 565 m
- Left Turns: 5
- Right Turns: 9
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 2006
- Track Location: Comune di Misano Adriatico, Italia
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.misanocircuit.com
Circuit Information
The Misano motor racing circuit was designed in 1969 (3,488 m) and has always been under private management. Sports activities began after three years. At the sides of the track, small open pits and a building used exclusively to house racetrack offices.
The beginning of the 1990s saw the launching of a renovation project which over successive phases guaranteed the availability of an increasingly efficient facility.
The first expansion project dates to 1993: the track was lengthened to 4,060 metres, making it possible to use two track configurations, a long and a short one; a building was also erected with new garages, technical rooms, reception rooms and a large pressroom of around 600 sq. m.
In 1996 and 1997, a second stage of work was carried out to complete the building and the pits. In 1998 the paddock area was extended to a total of 40,000 sq. m.
Construction of the 1st set of stands, with a seating capacity of 5000, was completed in 2001.
The new era.
In 2005 the circuit launched a radical renovation and modernisation project. A new main entrance was inaugurated, followed in 2006 by the new medical centre, an area of 300 sq. m. which ideally represents the circuit’s historical and scrupulous attention to safety issues.
At the end of 2006 the circuit was closed to permit the construction of a new even safer and more beautiful track, capable of hosting major world motor sports events.
In record-breaking time, only five months, radical work was carried out not only on the track, which was lengthened to 4,180 m with a reversal in the direction of travel (now clockwise), but also on structural parts. There are now four entrances to the circuit, the seating capacity of the stands increased to over 23,000 and the pressroom was renovated and expanded to accommodate 320 workstations.
The artificial lighting system underwent radical modernisation: 17 generator-equipped light towers were erected. The circuit thus consolidated another of its unique features.
At the end of this impressive modernisation process the circuit also changed its name, becoming the ‘Misano World Circuit’ in 2007.
All of the structural upgrades of the facility have been accompanied with an innovative technological investment as regards the total wiring of the circuit and Wi-Fi coverage for Internet connections over the entire area of around four square km. An investment made possible thanks to the partnership with Cisco, a world leader in the supply of network solutions. Only two circuits in the world can boast such technology: the Misano World Circuit and Motegi racetrack in Japan. The Misano World Circuit chose to adopt Cisco technologies, thus creating new opportunities to enhance the experience of spectators, further improve the safety system of the circuit and offer new multimedia services.
A video recording system based on digital recorders has been set up; the pit building is completely wired; the whole area occupied by the Misano World Circuit now has Wi-Fi coverage; the information and telephone system is fully backuped (can support the failure of individual apparatus); video streaming; circuit intranet. 25 km of fibre optic cables (200 km of fibres) and 50 km of copper wires were used for the data transmission network.
Thanks to the owners’’ substantial investments, perfectly in line with the renovation strategy, the circuit is ready to experience a new era.
THE NEW CIRCUIT
The Misano World Circuit is a big motor theme park in the Riviera Romagnola. A place that hosts world sport events and that is a reference point for the widespread love for motors in the land of motors. It is situated few meters from the sea and near the hills and represents a masterpiece from the point of view of the efficiency and the reliability of the organization.
Not only sports events but also offers to all the companies that choose to join, in a successful way, the world of motors with their incentive, congressional and marketing initiatives. Every year the Misano World Circuit hosts the most spectacular two and four wheels sport competitions; it is an important showcase for the big industrial brands and gather, around the love for motors, over than 400 thousand people.
Misano World Circuit
Via Daijiro Kato,10
47843 Misano Adriatico (Rn)
Italy
Tel.+39.0541.618511 Fax. +39.0541.615463
Numero verde: 800.214728
e-mail: ufficiosportivo@misanocircuit.com
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Misano is easily joined with the A/14 Bologna/Bari/Taranto motorway that is linked with the principal European motorways. A14 way out: Riccione - Cattolica. Is recommended the way out for "Cattolica" and to follow the indications Rimini.
Distance in Km from the main Italian city:
The beginning of the 1990s saw the launching of a renovation project which over successive phases guaranteed the availability of an increasingly efficient facility.
The first expansion project dates to 1993: the track was lengthened to 4,060 metres, making it possible to use two track configurations, a long and a short one; a building was also erected with new garages, technical rooms, reception rooms and a large pressroom of around 600 sq. m.
In 1996 and 1997, a second stage of work was carried out to complete the building and the pits. In 1998 the paddock area was extended to a total of 40,000 sq. m.
Construction of the 1st set of stands, with a seating capacity of 5000, was completed in 2001.
The new era.
In 2005 the circuit launched a radical renovation and modernisation project. A new main entrance was inaugurated, followed in 2006 by the new medical centre, an area of 300 sq. m. which ideally represents the circuit’s historical and scrupulous attention to safety issues.
At the end of 2006 the circuit was closed to permit the construction of a new even safer and more beautiful track, capable of hosting major world motor sports events.
In record-breaking time, only five months, radical work was carried out not only on the track, which was lengthened to 4,180 m with a reversal in the direction of travel (now clockwise), but also on structural parts. There are now four entrances to the circuit, the seating capacity of the stands increased to over 23,000 and the pressroom was renovated and expanded to accommodate 320 workstations.
The artificial lighting system underwent radical modernisation: 17 generator-equipped light towers were erected. The circuit thus consolidated another of its unique features.
At the end of this impressive modernisation process the circuit also changed its name, becoming the ‘Misano World Circuit’ in 2007.
All of the structural upgrades of the facility have been accompanied with an innovative technological investment as regards the total wiring of the circuit and Wi-Fi coverage for Internet connections over the entire area of around four square km. An investment made possible thanks to the partnership with Cisco, a world leader in the supply of network solutions. Only two circuits in the world can boast such technology: the Misano World Circuit and Motegi racetrack in Japan. The Misano World Circuit chose to adopt Cisco technologies, thus creating new opportunities to enhance the experience of spectators, further improve the safety system of the circuit and offer new multimedia services.
A video recording system based on digital recorders has been set up; the pit building is completely wired; the whole area occupied by the Misano World Circuit now has Wi-Fi coverage; the information and telephone system is fully backuped (can support the failure of individual apparatus); video streaming; circuit intranet. 25 km of fibre optic cables (200 km of fibres) and 50 km of copper wires were used for the data transmission network.
Thanks to the owners’’ substantial investments, perfectly in line with the renovation strategy, the circuit is ready to experience a new era.
THE NEW CIRCUIT
The Misano World Circuit is a big motor theme park in the Riviera Romagnola. A place that hosts world sport events and that is a reference point for the widespread love for motors in the land of motors. It is situated few meters from the sea and near the hills and represents a masterpiece from the point of view of the efficiency and the reliability of the organization.Not only sports events but also offers to all the companies that choose to join, in a successful way, the world of motors with their incentive, congressional and marketing initiatives. Every year the Misano World Circuit hosts the most spectacular two and four wheels sport competitions; it is an important showcase for the big industrial brands and gather, around the love for motors, over than 400 thousand people.
Misano World Circuit
Via Daijiro Kato,10
47843 Misano Adriatico (Rn)
Italy
Tel.+39.0541.618511 Fax. +39.0541.615463
Numero verde: 800.214728
e-mail: ufficiosportivo@misanocircuit.com
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Misano is easily joined with the A/14 Bologna/Bari/Taranto motorway that is linked with the principal European motorways. A14 way out: Riccione - Cattolica. Is recommended the way out for "Cattolica" and to follow the indications Rimini.
Distance in Km from the main Italian city:
- Firenze km. 172
- Milano km. 338
- Roma km. 356
- Venezia km. 227
- Napoli km. 486
- Palermo km. 1198
- Bari km. 556
- Bruxelles km. 1275
- Budapest km. 1065
- Francoforte km. 1043
- Monaco di Baviera km. 693
- Praga km. 1089
- Varsavia km. 1533
- Vienna km. 887
- Zurigo km. 645
- Amsterdam km. 1405
- Parigi km. 1193
- Copenaghen km. 1770
- Berlino km. 1535
Race 14: Circuit, Lake Balaton, Hungary
Lake Balaton Hungary
Race Date: September 20, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,650 m
- Track Width: 14 m
- Left Turns: 9
- Right Turns: 8
- Track Location: 180 kilometres south-west of Budapest
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: TBA
Lake Balaton - circuit information
The project has cost 200 million Euros and is set to offer some spectacular racing. The spectator capacity will be up to 140,000. Lake Balaton itself is a tourist hotspot, so there's plenty to do when you're not at the track. The largest lake in central Europe, three major resorts are situated there, each offering something different, whether culture, nightlife or local wineries. The best beaches are artificial, but swimming, bathing, fishing, sailing and other watersports keep everyone entertained throughout the day. As the first MotoGP race here, it's not to be missed!
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme — A.K.A the FIM — has recently unveiled the provisional calendar for the 2009 MotoGp World Championship Series.
Two changes of note to the schedule include a new race to be held at the Balatonring circuit in Hungary and the exclusion of the Grand Prix of China. The schedule, as has been typical, will include 18 races. The 2009 season will launch on April 12 in Qatar and conclude on November 8 in Valencia, Spain.
Local Information
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe.
Three major resorts surround the lake. Siofok is known as the party resort, as discos and bars are in abundance. Keszthely is the home of the Festectics Palace. Balatonfured is traditionally a bathing town.
A watersport haven, sailing and fishing are among the wide range of activities offered on the lake.
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme — A.K.A the FIM — has recently unveiled the provisional calendar for the 2009 MotoGp World Championship Series.
Two changes of note to the schedule include a new race to be held at the Balatonring circuit in Hungary and the exclusion of the Grand Prix of China. The schedule, as has been typical, will include 18 races. The 2009 season will launch on April 12 in Qatar and conclude on November 8 in Valencia, Spain.
Local Information
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe.
Three major resorts surround the lake. Siofok is known as the party resort, as discos and bars are in abundance. Keszthely is the home of the Festectics Palace. Balatonfured is traditionally a bathing town.
A watersport haven, sailing and fishing are among the wide range of activities offered on the lake.
- Time Zone : GMT+1
- Currency: Forint
- Language: The main language is Hungarian, but English will be understood.
Race 15: Circuito do Estoril, Portugal
Circuito do Estoril - Grande Premio de Portugal MotoGP
Race Date: October 4, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,182 m
- Track Width: 14 m
- Longest Straightaway: 986 m
- Left Turns: 4
- Right Turns: 9
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1972/2005
- Track Location: Estoril (near Lisbon) Portugal
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.circuito-estoril.pt
History
The Autodromo Fernanda Pires Da Silva in Estoril stages its sixth successive Portuguese Grand Prix after making its name as the venue for the Portuguese Formula One Grand Prix and as a testing circuit for the Formula One teams. In 1996 when the cars stopped coming to the circuit just North of Lisbon on the Atlantic coastline of Estoril, the track was modified to its present 4.182 km length and to satisfy the safety demands of MotoGP.
Despite featuring a 986 metres main straight, the Estoril circuit is the slowest venue in the 17 round MotoGP calendar. High winds that come off the Atlantic and then funnel through the surrounding hills can cause a major problem. The Portuguese Grand Prix has been held in September for the last five years and its late switch to April this year could cause a change in those conditions.
Australian Garry McCoy won the first MotoGP race at the circuit in 2000, riding the 500cc Yamaha but since then it's become the domain of World Champion Valentino Rossi's who has made four consecutive victories. Two Portuguese Grands Prix were held before the Estoril race and both in Spain. The races in Jarama and Jerez were both won by American Eddie Lawson, riding the Yamaha.
Technical information
The Fernada Pires da Silva Circuit or the more commonly known Estoril Circuit was built in 1972 and was modified in 1994 to include the famous Variante chicane which is now one of the slowest corners in the MotoGP World Championship.
The most notable aspect of the Estoril Circuit is the difference in speeds between the slowest corner taken at under 60 km/h and the end of the one km straight where speeds of more than 325 km/h are reached. This wide range of speeds makes the task of setting the gear ratios critical because we must avoid having too greater steps in the gears to stop the engine revs falling outside the ideal power delivery zone. As well as the Variante corner, first gear is also used in three other corners so it is vital to make the right choice when setting the gear ratios.
Apart from the four corners taken in first gear, there are six other relatively slow corners taken in second. As a result, Estoril is in fact the circuit with the slowest average lap speed of the entire MotoGP Championship. The average speed of 152.981 km/h at Estoril is slower than at Cheste and Jerez which appear at first sight to be much slower circuits.
Estoril is also one of the most difficult circuits to find the right suspension settings. The front suspension is subject to heavy braking at the end of the start/finish straight and also in the straight leading onto the Parabolica Interior corner. It is therefore necessary to fit hard springs, although the circuit is quite bumpy and these hard springs do not absorb the bumps so well which often pushes the bike off the racing line. The same problem is apparent in the rear suspension too. On the one hand there is a section of esses and also a corner taken in fifth gear at more than 230 km/h which in normal circumstances would mean fitting hard springs to make the rear more rigid. However, on the other hand, the lack of grip on the track and the bumpy surface means we must choose a softer suspension to reach a compromise.
Another important factor at this circuit are the tyres. The track layout has ten right-hand corners and only four left-handers which means that the tyres used are made of two or possible three different rubber compounds. On the right side there should be a hard compound to withstand the force exerted through the tyre in the right hand corners, including the “Parabolica” corner leading onto the main straight which causes heavy tyre-wear due to its length and the fact that the throttle is opened early in the corner when the bike is still at an angle. For the left side of the tyre the compound used should be softer to ensure good levels of grip even when the tyre is relatively cold, as is the case at this circuit.
In 2005. the Portuguese Grand Prix arrives earlier in the season as only the second race in the calendar. Although the race, which has been run over recent seasons towards the latter part of the championship in September, is often affected by adverse climatic conditions with the presence of rain and wind due to the proximity of the Atlantic coast, this factor may be even more prominent now that the race takes place in April.
Travel information
Coastal circuit within easy reach, 30km, of Lisbon. From the airport take the IC19 Sintra/Eixo N/S/2a Circular/Sul, and after approx 7km turn right, taking the IC17/CRIL/Alges/A5 Cascais. Follow signs A5 Cascais, paying toll, and then leaving the motorway at exit 10, following the directions N9/Sintra/Alcabideche/Autodromo.
Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva
Circuito do Estoril
Estrada Nacional No 9
Km6 Alcabideche
2756 Estoril
Tel + 351 21 469 1462
Fax +351 21 469 1202
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
The circuit is located on the coast , 30km far off Lisbona. Is easily reachable. From the airport, take the IC19 Sintra/Eixo N/S/2a Circular/Sul, and after 7 km turn right, taking the IC17/CRIL/Alges/A5 Cascais. To follow the signs A5 Cascais, pay at the tollbooth, leave the motorway at way out 10and to follow the indications N9/Sintra/Alcabideche/Autodromo.
Despite featuring a 986 metres main straight, the Estoril circuit is the slowest venue in the 17 round MotoGP calendar. High winds that come off the Atlantic and then funnel through the surrounding hills can cause a major problem. The Portuguese Grand Prix has been held in September for the last five years and its late switch to April this year could cause a change in those conditions.
Australian Garry McCoy won the first MotoGP race at the circuit in 2000, riding the 500cc Yamaha but since then it's become the domain of World Champion Valentino Rossi's who has made four consecutive victories. Two Portuguese Grands Prix were held before the Estoril race and both in Spain. The races in Jarama and Jerez were both won by American Eddie Lawson, riding the Yamaha.
Technical informationThe Fernada Pires da Silva Circuit or the more commonly known Estoril Circuit was built in 1972 and was modified in 1994 to include the famous Variante chicane which is now one of the slowest corners in the MotoGP World Championship.
The most notable aspect of the Estoril Circuit is the difference in speeds between the slowest corner taken at under 60 km/h and the end of the one km straight where speeds of more than 325 km/h are reached. This wide range of speeds makes the task of setting the gear ratios critical because we must avoid having too greater steps in the gears to stop the engine revs falling outside the ideal power delivery zone. As well as the Variante corner, first gear is also used in three other corners so it is vital to make the right choice when setting the gear ratios.
Apart from the four corners taken in first gear, there are six other relatively slow corners taken in second. As a result, Estoril is in fact the circuit with the slowest average lap speed of the entire MotoGP Championship. The average speed of 152.981 km/h at Estoril is slower than at Cheste and Jerez which appear at first sight to be much slower circuits.
Estoril is also one of the most difficult circuits to find the right suspension settings. The front suspension is subject to heavy braking at the end of the start/finish straight and also in the straight leading onto the Parabolica Interior corner. It is therefore necessary to fit hard springs, although the circuit is quite bumpy and these hard springs do not absorb the bumps so well which often pushes the bike off the racing line. The same problem is apparent in the rear suspension too. On the one hand there is a section of esses and also a corner taken in fifth gear at more than 230 km/h which in normal circumstances would mean fitting hard springs to make the rear more rigid. However, on the other hand, the lack of grip on the track and the bumpy surface means we must choose a softer suspension to reach a compromise.
Another important factor at this circuit are the tyres. The track layout has ten right-hand corners and only four left-handers which means that the tyres used are made of two or possible three different rubber compounds. On the right side there should be a hard compound to withstand the force exerted through the tyre in the right hand corners, including the “Parabolica” corner leading onto the main straight which causes heavy tyre-wear due to its length and the fact that the throttle is opened early in the corner when the bike is still at an angle. For the left side of the tyre the compound used should be softer to ensure good levels of grip even when the tyre is relatively cold, as is the case at this circuit.
In 2005. the Portuguese Grand Prix arrives earlier in the season as only the second race in the calendar. Although the race, which has been run over recent seasons towards the latter part of the championship in September, is often affected by adverse climatic conditions with the presence of rain and wind due to the proximity of the Atlantic coast, this factor may be even more prominent now that the race takes place in April.
Travel information
Coastal circuit within easy reach, 30km, of Lisbon. From the airport take the IC19 Sintra/Eixo N/S/2a Circular/Sul, and after approx 7km turn right, taking the IC17/CRIL/Alges/A5 Cascais. Follow signs A5 Cascais, paying toll, and then leaving the motorway at exit 10, following the directions N9/Sintra/Alcabideche/Autodromo.
Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva
Circuito do Estoril
Estrada Nacional No 9
Km6 Alcabideche
2756 Estoril
Tel + 351 21 469 1462
Fax +351 21 469 1202
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
The circuit is located on the coast , 30km far off Lisbona. Is easily reachable. From the airport, take the IC19 Sintra/Eixo N/S/2a Circular/Sul, and after 7 km turn right, taking the IC17/CRIL/Alges/A5 Cascais. To follow the signs A5 Cascais, pay at the tollbooth, leave the motorway at way out 10and to follow the indications N9/Sintra/Alcabideche/Autodromo.
Race 16: Phillip Island Circuit, Australia
Phillip Island Circuit - GMC Australian Grand Prix Moto GP
Race Date: October 18, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 4,445 m
- Track Width: 13 m
- Longest Straightaway: 900 m
- Left Turns: 7
- Right Turns: 5
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1987
- Track Location: Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
- Event Promoter:
- Event Website: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au
Phillip Island is one of the greatest MotoGP tracks in the world . The fast flowing nature of the 4.448 km circuit is the reason that makes Phillip Island one of favourite MotoGP tracks among riders for the last 15 years. The one big drawback can be weather on this outpost of South Australian coastline . Heavy rain and winds can cause chaos at this time of the year to the Island, which is linked by a bridge to the mainland, some 100 kms south of Melbourne.
The track, which is the second fastest in the MotoGP calendar, requires complete riding skills. There are five right and seven left hand corners and 900 meters start and finish straight which leads into the very quick Doohan right hand bend.
Tradition of racing on Phillip Island is 75 years long, but the permanent circuit was built in 1956. It fell in to disrepair but had a complete revamp in the mid eighties and staged the very first Australian MotorCycle Grand Prix in 1989.
First Phillip Island race was won by Australia´s first 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner and the whole country celebrated his success. Valentino Rossi has incredible record of 4 consecutive wins on this track from 2001 to 2004.
Technical DetailsThe average lap speed is 177.785 km/h, making it the second fastest track of the World Championship calendar behind Assen. This high speed would seem strange at a circuit with very few straights, however, although the main straight is relatively short at less than 900 metres long, the corner leading onto it and the corner at the end of it are both extremely fast corners taken at more than 180 km/h.
The ideal settings would give the bike stability to be able to take the fast corners with as much precision as possible and use the maximum amount of track surface. There are six corners taken at over 180 Km/h and three of these are negotiated at more than 200 Km/h.
Given the presence of these high speed corners, and the constant changes of direction at high speed, technicians tend to fit hard springs so that when the rear of the bike is under compression the riding precision is not affected and the rider can maintain the racing line through corners. However, the presence of many bumps on the track surface means that the springs to be fitted cannot be as hard as we would like. To demonstrate the pressure on the springs, the point of greatest compression of the rear of the bike takes place between corners seven and eight where the bike is travelling at more than 230Km/h. This speed creates a force of more than 500kg on the rear springs.
Regarding the front suspension, the points in the circuit where there is most movement of the front shocks are the two hairpins taken at slow speeds. The rider must brake hard at these two points, but this is not a circuit where hard front springs are fitted because of hard braking. Due to the bumpy track surface in the fast corners, softer springs are fitted in the front to maintain the precision and the grip, even through these bumpy areas. Some of these bumps are so big that the bikes literally take off as they lose contact with the track in both the front and rear. The best place to witness this is at the end of the straight where the bikes leave the ground at more than 305 km/h.
In Phillip Island the gear ratios are a little special since the higher gears are used more frequently than is usual. Most of the corners are taken in third, fourth and even fifth gear. These gears must be set so that there is not too large a step between them and also so that sixth can accommodate speeds of nearly 350 km/h. It is not always easy to find a good compromise. Unlike most other tracks in the MotoGP calendar, there are only two corners taken in first and two taken in second.
Another special factor at Phillip Island is rear-tyre wear. As well as being a very abrasive track, the characteristics of the layout of the track put an excessive amount of stress on the rear tyre. The left side of the tyres is critical since the left-handed corner onto the straight is very fast and the rider can open the throttle early, and in doing so heating the left side of the tyre to temperatures that can affect the tyre´s durability. Sometimes we must sacrifice the rear suspension settings and make them softer to prolong the life of the rear tyre so that it lasts the race distance of 120 km.
Another important aspect at this circuit is the front brake. There are no hard braking areas around the track so brake discs with smaller diameters are fitted so that they reach the correct working temperatures more easily. At Phillip Island discs of 305mm diameter are fitted compared to a normal diameter of 320mm.
Travel information
Take the Tullamarine Freeway from Melbourne airport, connecting to the ‘City Link’ (an electronically monitored toll road - purchase a pass at airport or from car hirer) then driving through Melbourne city, onto the Monash Freeway, through Cranbourne and onto the Bass Highway to San Remo. Cross the bridge to Phillip Island, following the tourist signs onto Back Beach Road on which the circuit is located. 15 16
Phillip Island Circuit
Back Beach Road
Phillip Island
Victoria
Australia
Tel: +61 3 5952 2710
Fax + 61 3 5952 3160
HOW TO ARRIVE:
From Melbourne airport take the Tullamarine clearway and joint with the ‘City Link’ (payment route - by the pass at the airport or at the car rent). Pass across Melbourne city on Monash clearway, through Cranbourneand and Bass motorway as far as San Remo. Cross Phillip Island bridge and follow the indications on Back Beach Road where the circuit is located.
Race 17: Sepang F1 International Circuit
Sepang F1 Circuit - Polini Malaysian MotoGP 2009
Race Date: October 25, 2009- Pole Position: Left
- Track Length: 5,548 m
- Track Width: 25 m
- Longest Straightaway: 929 m
- Left Turns: 5
- Right Turns: 10
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1997/1999
- Track Location: Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Event Promoter: N/A
- Event Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my
- 1st: Valentino ROSSI, Fiat Yamaha Team - 43'06.007
- 2nd:Dani PEDROSA, Repsol Honda Team - 43'10.015
- 3rd:Andrea DOVIZIOSO, JiR Team Scot MotoGP - 43'14.543
Built with Formula One cars in mind, the long 5.548km circuit contains a variety of bends and undulations and a 920 metre start and finish straight which runs parallel with an almost as long straight which is linked to the main straight by a first gear left-hand hairpin.
The circuit is famous for its enormous grandstands, featuring hibiscus (the national flower of Malaysia) style roofs which dominate both straights and for the humidity and weather changes. It's always very hot and humid for the riders and teams and often in the afternoon very heavy short sharp thundery showers can fall, just to make practice, qualifying and racing even more demanding.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was first staged at the bumpy and tight Shah Alam circuit in Kuala Lumpur in 1991 and stayed there until 1998 when it switched for one year to Johor. In 1999 it was held at Sepang for the first time and Kenny Roberts won the race for Suzuki and repeated his victory the following year en route to the World 500cc Championship.
Technical information
Sepang circuit is one of the longest and most complicated circuits in the World MotoGP Championship. Sepang is one of the most challenging circuits both technically and for the riders. As well as being very long, the extreme climatic conditions make it very difficult tom compete here. An air temperature of around 38 degrees, a track temperature of nearly 60 degrees and humidity levels of more than 75% represent a tough challenge for all riders.
The Sepang is track which combines fase and slow speeds. In three corners speeds of only 60 Km/h are reached whereas on the two straights riders can reach in excess of 305 Km/h. There are sectors of the track where bike agility is crucial, but also other sectors where the bike must be very stable to be able to take corners at more than 170 Km/h. As is normally the case in this sport, it is impossible to find ideal settings with such differing demands on the bike so we must find a satisfactory balance to achieve a good result.
Suspension set up is complicated in Sepang. A series of hard braking zones would requires fitting of hard front springs, but since there is another bumpy section of the track where chattering is commonplace, springs that are slightly softer than are fitted to absorb this chattering. In the rear suspension the most important factor is the grip. Depending on the amount of grip at the track in the beginning, normally slightly softer springs are fitted to start off to increase rear grip. Normally, however, after the first day of practice, the level of grip increases, and a harder spring is fit in the rear to cope with the corners which are taken at nearly 180Km/h.
The gearbox set up is also a crucial factor at this circuit given the large gap between slowest and fastest speeds on one lap. A very short first gear ratio is used and the sixth is relatively long, near the 325 Km/h mark. With two long straights, which are taken starting in second gear and moving up to sixth, it is crucial to find the correct steps between gears. As an indicator of this it is worth bearing in mind that for 25% of the lap time the rider is on the two straights. The most important gears are second and third since all the corners except the fast '3' corner are taken in these gears.
The climatic conditions are extreme in Sepang the bikes must be specially prepared to increase the refrigeration efficiency of the engine. To achieve this end, radiators with larger capacities than normal are fitted.
Tyre choice again is important in Sepang. The two consecutive straights of nearly 1km each put an enormous amount of stress on the tyres, so much so that we have seen tyres quite literally explode in the past because of the high temperatures inside. The Michelin and Bridgestone technicians will have taken note of the performance of their tyres in preseason testing in Sepang.
Travel information
The circuit is some 5km from Kuala Lumpur airport and easily reached.
Sepang International Circuit
Jalan Pekeliling
64000 KLIA
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 87782255
Fax +60 3 87831020
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
The international circuit of Sepang is situated as far off 5km Kuala Lumpur airport. Leaving the airport, following the City centre signs and then the Sepang F1 Circuit one.
From the Kuala Lumpur centre, taking the airport route and follow circuit signs.
The circuit is famous for its enormous grandstands, featuring hibiscus (the national flower of Malaysia) style roofs which dominate both straights and for the humidity and weather changes. It's always very hot and humid for the riders and teams and often in the afternoon very heavy short sharp thundery showers can fall, just to make practice, qualifying and racing even more demanding.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was first staged at the bumpy and tight Shah Alam circuit in Kuala Lumpur in 1991 and stayed there until 1998 when it switched for one year to Johor. In 1999 it was held at Sepang for the first time and Kenny Roberts won the race for Suzuki and repeated his victory the following year en route to the World 500cc Championship.Technical information
Sepang circuit is one of the longest and most complicated circuits in the World MotoGP Championship. Sepang is one of the most challenging circuits both technically and for the riders. As well as being very long, the extreme climatic conditions make it very difficult tom compete here. An air temperature of around 38 degrees, a track temperature of nearly 60 degrees and humidity levels of more than 75% represent a tough challenge for all riders.
The Sepang is track which combines fase and slow speeds. In three corners speeds of only 60 Km/h are reached whereas on the two straights riders can reach in excess of 305 Km/h. There are sectors of the track where bike agility is crucial, but also other sectors where the bike must be very stable to be able to take corners at more than 170 Km/h. As is normally the case in this sport, it is impossible to find ideal settings with such differing demands on the bike so we must find a satisfactory balance to achieve a good result.
Suspension set up is complicated in Sepang. A series of hard braking zones would requires fitting of hard front springs, but since there is another bumpy section of the track where chattering is commonplace, springs that are slightly softer than are fitted to absorb this chattering. In the rear suspension the most important factor is the grip. Depending on the amount of grip at the track in the beginning, normally slightly softer springs are fitted to start off to increase rear grip. Normally, however, after the first day of practice, the level of grip increases, and a harder spring is fit in the rear to cope with the corners which are taken at nearly 180Km/h.
The gearbox set up is also a crucial factor at this circuit given the large gap between slowest and fastest speeds on one lap. A very short first gear ratio is used and the sixth is relatively long, near the 325 Km/h mark. With two long straights, which are taken starting in second gear and moving up to sixth, it is crucial to find the correct steps between gears. As an indicator of this it is worth bearing in mind that for 25% of the lap time the rider is on the two straights. The most important gears are second and third since all the corners except the fast '3' corner are taken in these gears.
The climatic conditions are extreme in Sepang the bikes must be specially prepared to increase the refrigeration efficiency of the engine. To achieve this end, radiators with larger capacities than normal are fitted.
Tyre choice again is important in Sepang. The two consecutive straights of nearly 1km each put an enormous amount of stress on the tyres, so much so that we have seen tyres quite literally explode in the past because of the high temperatures inside. The Michelin and Bridgestone technicians will have taken note of the performance of their tyres in preseason testing in Sepang.
Travel information
The circuit is some 5km from Kuala Lumpur airport and easily reached.
Sepang International Circuit
Jalan Pekeliling
64000 KLIA
Selangor
Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 87782255
Fax +60 3 87831020
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
The international circuit of Sepang is situated as far off 5km Kuala Lumpur airport. Leaving the airport, following the City centre signs and then the Sepang F1 Circuit one.
From the Kuala Lumpur centre, taking the airport route and follow circuit signs.
Race 18: Circuit Valencia, Spain
Comunitat Valenciana - bwin.com Gran Premio de la Valenciana
Race Date: November 8, 2009- Pole Position: Right
- Track Length: 4,005 m
- Track Width: 12 m
- Longest Straightaway: 876 m
- Left Turns: 9
- Right Turns: 5
- Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1999
- Track Location: Cheste - Comunitat Valenciana, Autónoma de España
- Event Promoter: Bwin.com
- Event Website: www.circuitvalencia.com
It hosts the first Grand Prix in 1999. The tracks has several layouts, anticlockwise running with varying lengths, generating five right corners, eight left one and a straight 876 long.
Circuit de la Communitat Valenciana
Autovia A-3 Salida 334
Apartado de correos 101
46380 Cheste, Valencia
Spain
Tel +34 96 252 5220
Fax + 34 96 252 5224
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Easily reachable by car from the airport and the city centre. Get into the A3 forward Madrid and take the out way at the km 334. then go on to the circuit.
Circuit de la Communitat Valenciana
Autovia A-3 Salida 334
Apartado de correos 101
46380 Cheste, Valencia
Spain
Tel +34 96 252 5220
Fax + 34 96 252 5224
Google maps
HOW TO ARRIVE:
Easily reachable by car from the airport and the city centre. Get into the A3 forward Madrid and take the out way at the km 334. then go on to the circuit.
