Motorland Aragon

Motorland Aragón stands as one of Spain's premier racing venues, located near the historic town of Alcañiz in the autonomous community of Aragón. This world-class circuit opened on September 6, 2009, replacing the former Alcañiz street circuit that operated from 1965 to 2003. The facility spans an area larger than Alcañiz itself and has quickly established its reputation in international motorsport circles since its inauguration.

Historical Background

The circuit emerged from safety concerns with the original Alcañiz street layout. Local authorities partnered with the regional government to create a permanent, modern racing facility. The new circuit pays homage to the region's rich racing heritage while meeting contemporary safety standards. Motorland Aragón holds both FIA Grade 1 certification, which permits Formula One testing, and FIM Grade A status, the highest standard for motorcycle racing venues.

Design and Technical Specifications

Renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke crafted the layout with input from former Formula One driver Pedro de la Rosa. The motorcycle circuit stretches 5.344 kilometers (3.321 miles) with 17 turns, while the automobile configuration measures 5.077 kilometers (3.155 miles). The track features a main straight of 1,211 meters, with a width of 15 meters on straights and 12 meters through corners. A defining characteristic is the dramatic elevation change—50 meters difference between its highest and lowest points. The track includes a striking 7.2% downhill section at Turns 8 and 9, often compared to the famous "Corkscrew" at Laguna Seca. This variation in elevation creates a demanding challenge for drivers and riders.

Facility Layout

Motorland Aragón consists of three integrated zones. The technology park focuses on motor industry research and education, with facilities that have contributed to Moto2 engine development. The sports area contains the main circuit, a karting track, and off-road circuits. The leisure zone includes hospitality facilities with plans for expansion. The circuit can split into two independent tracks for simultaneous events, demonstrating its versatility. With a spectator capacity of 129,500, the venue accommodates large crowds for international events.

Racing Heritage and Events

Since 2010, Motorland Aragón has hosted the Aragón Motorcycle Grand Prix in the MotoGP World Championship. The circuit has received the "Best Grand Prix Award" from the International Racing Teams Association three times (2010, 2013, and 2015). The track regularly hosts World Superbike Championship races, World Touring Car Cup events, and served as a venue for World Series Formula V8 3.5 from 2009 to 2017. In 2023, the European Le Mans Series joined the circuit's calendar, expanding its portfolio of prestigious events.

Technical Highlights

The circuit combines fast straights with technical corner sequences that test both machine and competitor. The track layout promotes competitive racing with multiple overtaking opportunities. Modern pit facilities, garages, and media centers support teams and press during events. The track record stands at 1:41.376, set by Arthur Pic in a Dallara T12 during the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 season. For motorcycles, the circuit offers unique challenges with its combination of slow hairpins and high-speed sweeping turns. Motorland Aragón represents Spanish motorsport excellence with its technical design, state-of-the-art facilities, and growing legacy in international racing competition.