Cremona

The Cremona Circuit, officially known as Autodromo di Cremona, represents one of Italy's most modern motorsport facilities. The circuit sits near San Martino del Lago in the Lombardy region, approximately 25 kilometers east of Cremona city. The track first opened on July 7, 2011, under the original name Circuito di San Martino del Lago. In 2016, the facility adopted its current name and received dedication to Angelo Bergamonti, a celebrated local motorcycle racer. Italian circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli created the original track layout.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The main circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction and currently measures 3.768 kilometers (2.342 miles) in length. Riders and drivers navigate 13 turns, divided between 6 right-hand and 7 left-hand corners. The track maintains a consistent width of 12 meters, providing adequate space for overtaking maneuvers. The circuit features a 400-meter pit straight and an impressive 885-meter back straight that includes the signature "San Martino" corkscrew section. The final sector contains turns 11, 12, and 13, which received particular attention during recent renovations. The track surface remains relatively flat, and the circuit holds FIM Grade B homologation, certifying it for international motorcycle racing events.

Circuit Development and Upgrades

The circuit has expanded significantly since its 2011 inauguration, when the track measured 3.450 kilometers. Between January and April 2021, Jarno Zaffelli designed an extension that increased the length to 3.702 kilometers. Major renovations took place in early 2024 to prepare the facility for World Superbike Championship events. These improvements extended the track to its current 3.768 kilometers and included complete resurfacing with high-grade asphalt. The facility now operates a separate karting circuit measuring approximately 1,210-1,224 meters with 16 turns, running in a clockwise direction. The kart track also received renovations and expansion work to meet CIK standards.

Racing History and Major Events

On October 26, 2023, Cremona Circuit announced a five-year contract to host World Superbike Championship events starting in 2024. This agreement positioned Cremona as Italy's "second two-wheeled temple" after the Misano circuit. The WorldSBK Italian Round runs on September 20-22, 2024, returns on May 2-4, 2025, and continues on September 25-27, 2026. The circuit also hosts the Alpe Adria International Motorcycle Championship and will add the Sidecar World Championship in 2026. The Bagger Racing League Europe joins the calendar in May 2026. Earlier in its history, the circuit hosted the Supermoto World Championship starting in 2014 and regularly holds the Trofei MotoEstate and Coppa Italia Velocità events.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The 2024 renovations transformed spectator and support facilities throughout the venue. New grandstands raise the capacity to approximately 20,000 fans. The facility includes modernized race direction facilities, new pit garages, an expanded paddock area, and a dedicated press room. A new vehicle entrance improves access to the complex. The circuit maintains two large paddock areas with electric charging stations, a medical center, an indoor refreshment area, and workshop zones. The track serves multiple functions beyond race events, hosting manufacturer launches, track day sessions, and driver coaching schools, making it a versatile motorsport destination in northern Italy.