Circuito De Jerez

The Circuito de Jerez, officially known as Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, stands as one of Spain's premier racing venues. Located near Jerez de la Frontera in the sunny Andalusia region, this track has played a significant role in motorsport history since its opening on December 8, 1985. The circuit sits approximately 90 kilometers south of Seville in Spain's famous sherry-producing region, combining rich cultural heritage with world-class racing facilities.

Track Layout and Technical Details

The Jerez circuit extends 4.428 kilometers (2.751 miles) with a consistent width of 11 meters throughout. Drivers and riders face 13 challenging turns - 8 right-hand and 5 left-hand corners - across a layout that tests technical skill with its mix of slow, medium, and high-speed sections. The longest straight measures 607 meters, offering crucial overtaking opportunities. Notable sections include the Senna Curve (Turn 11), Dry Sac Corner, and the Lorenzo Curve (Turn 13). The track holds lap records from various competitions, including the Formula 1 record of 1:23.135 set by Heinz-Harald Frentzen in a Williams FW19 during 1997.

Racing History

Jerez boasts a rich motorsport tradition that predates the permanent circuit. The city hosted street races in the early 1960s, including the popular "Merced Trophy" motorcycle events. The permanent track has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix from 1986 to 1990 and the European Grand Prix in 1994 and 1997. The circuit gained particular fame in the motorcycle racing world, hosting the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix consistently since 1987 (except 1988) and becoming a cornerstone of the MotoGP calendar. The track also regularly features World Superbike Championship rounds and has welcomed numerous other series including FIA F2 and World Sportscar Championship events.

Famous Moments

The 1986 Spanish Grand Prix delivered one of Formula 1's most thrilling finishes when Ayrton Senna defeated Nigel Mansell by a mere 0.014 seconds. The 1997 European Grand Prix witnessed the championship-deciding battle between Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve. In MotoGP, the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix featured a memorable victory by Jorge Lorenzo after a dramatic overtaking attempt by Marc Marquez. These moments have cemented Jerez as a track where racing history unfolds.

Circuit Features

The Andalusian climate provides over 3,200 hours of sunshine yearly, making Jerez an ideal year-round testing venue. The facility includes a spacious 48,294 square meter paddock, 43 pits (each 12×6 meters), and grandstands that can accommodate up to 125,000 spectators. Safety remains a priority at Jerez, which pioneered the Airfence system—soft-wall barriers filled with compressed air cells. The circuit added its iconic "UFO" structure above the start/finish straight in 2002. Visitors can explore the on-site motor museum and take guided tours of the facilities.

Circuit Evolution

The track has undergone several modifications since its opening. In 1992, designers removed four corners to create the flowing right-hand Curva Sito Pons. After a crash in 1990, officials added a chicane at Turn 11. In 2018, the circuit received its current name to honor Ángel Nieto, the legendary Spanish motorcyclist who won 13 world championships. These changes reflect the circuit's commitment to safety and recognition of Spain's motorsport heritage. Today, Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto continues its legacy as a favorite among motorcycle racers and teams for both competition and testing, while maintaining its place in racing history as a track that demands technical precision and rewards skillful driving.