Circuito del Jarama

The Circuito del Jarama stands as Spain's first permanent racing circuit and a landmark venue in European motorsport history. Located in San Sebastián de los Reyes, approximately 32 kilometers north of Madrid, this track opened on July 1, 1967. The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) commissioned the circuit, and Dutch engineer John Hugenholtz created the design. Hugenholtz also designed famous tracks including Suzuka and Zandvoort. Since February 2022, the facility carries the official name Circuito de Madrid Jarama - RACE, and RACE has owned and operated the venue since 1981.

Technical Layout and Track Characteristics

The circuit measures 3.850 kilometers (2.392 miles) in its current Grand Prix configuration and features 14 turns. Engineers built the track on dry scrubland and created a layout that prioritizes technical skill over raw speed. The original 1967 design measured approximately 3.4 kilometers and included five hairpin corners. A major extension in 1990 increased the track length and expanded the width from 8 meters to 12 meters. This modification altered key corners including Nuvolari and Fangio. The circuit includes elevation changes of 27 meters across its length. The track features a short main straight followed by tight, twisting corners that demand precision driving and strong braking performance. A new Formula E layout measuring 3.934 kilometers will debut in 2026 for the Madrid ePrix. This version adds a chicane on the main straight and includes an Attack Mode zone at Turn 7.

Formula One and Grand Prix Racing Legacy

Circuito del Jarama hosted the Spanish Grand Prix nine times between 1968 and 1981. The track alternated with Barcelona's Montjuïc Park street circuit until safety concerns closed that venue after 1975. Formula One stopped racing at Jarama after 1981 because the narrow track made overtaking difficult and raised safety issues for modern F1 cars. The 1981 Spanish Grand Prix became one of the circuit's most famous races. Gilles Villeneuve won that race in a less powerful Ferrari, defending his position against a line of faster cars in a display of defensive driving skill. This victory marked Villeneuve's final career win. Legendary drivers including Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Jacky Ickx, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, and Alain Prost all competed at Jarama. Jim Clark won the Formula 2 race at the circuit in 1967. Motorcycle racing also played a major role at Jarama, with the Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix taking place 15 times between 1969 and 1988.

Modern Operations and Facilities

The circuit now serves as a versatile motorsport facility hosting over 350 events each year. Current racing events include the FIA European Truck Racing Championship, Spanish national racing series, historic motorsport competitions, and touring car races. The venue also hosts corporate events, the RACE Driving School, and enthusiast gatherings like Jarama Classic and the Jarama Fan Club. Facilities received significant updates in 2015, including a renovated control tower. The Jarama Paddock Club complex contains multi-purpose buildings with meeting rooms and presentation spaces. The open paddock area covers more than 21,535 square meters, divided into five sections of different sizes. The circuit maintains its status as a historic motorsport venue while adapting to modern racing needs and commercial activities.