Autodromo Termas De Rio Hondo

The Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo stands as one of South America's premier racing circuits, located in the Santiago del Estero Province of Argentina. Situated approximately 6 kilometers from the city of Termas de Río Hondo and adjacent to the artificial Río Hondo lake, this track has become a significant venue on the international motorsport calendar. The circuit combines technical challenges with high-speed sections, making it a favorite among riders and drivers from various racing disciplines.

History and Development

The circuit was first built between 2007 and 2008, with its inauguration taking place on May 11, 2008, during a visit from Argentina's Touring Car Racing championship. Initially designed to host national events, the track underwent a complete renovation in 2012 to meet international racing standards. Italian circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli led this comprehensive overhaul, transforming it into a world-class facility. In 2021, a devastating fire destroyed the pit garages, press room, and grandstand, but these facilities were rebuilt, allowing racing to resume in 2022.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The Termas de Río Hondo circuit features a 4.805-kilometer (2.986-mile) layout with 14 challenging turns - 9 right-handers and 5 left-handers. The track maintains a consistent width of 16 meters (52.49 feet) and runs in a clockwise direction. One of its most notable features is the 1,076-meter (3,530.18-foot) main straight, which creates excellent overtaking opportunities. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 2 and FIM Grade A certification, confirming its compliance with international safety and quality standards.

Racing History

The circuit gained global recognition when it joined the MotoGP calendar in 2014 following its major upgrades. Since then, it has hosted the Argentine Motorcycle Grand Prix from 2014 to 2019, returning in 2022 and 2023 after the pandemic interruption, with a scheduled appearance in 2025. Beyond MotoGP, the track has welcomed the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) from 2013 to 2017, as well as national series including TC2000, Turismo Nacional, Top Race V6, and international events like Porsche Cup Brasil and TCR South America.

Circuit Characteristics

Racing experts consider Termas de Río Hondo one of the best layouts on the MotoGP calendar due to its fast, flowing corners combined with technical sections. The track features distinctive elevation changes with dips and crests that test driver skill and vehicle setup. The 2012 redesign included a new track surface that offers excellent grip in dry conditions but can be challenging when wet. The circuit includes generous run-off areas specifically designed for motorcycle racing safety while maintaining competitive racing.

Additional Features

The Autódromo occupies a 150-hectare area with modern facilities for teams, media, and spectators. A motor racing museum sits at the end of the pit lane, dedicated to Argentina's rich motorsport heritage and national hero Juan Manuel Fangio. Marc Marquez has achieved the most premier class wins at this circuit, while Valentino Rossi holds the circuit record. The venue has built a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, with dedicated fan zones and well-organized infrastructure that continues to attract motorsport enthusiasts from across South America and beyond.