1621 mots | Temps de lecture : 8 minute(s)
The 10 Most Legendary MotoGP Circuits
Are you a motorcycle and racing enthusiast? Then you'll love this article! Today, we reveal the 10 most legendary MotoGP circuits in the world . From Catalonia to Phillip Island , via Le Mans , discover the legendary tracks that have marked the history of speed on two wheels.
1. Circuit of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
The Circuit de Catalunya , located in Montmeló near Barcelona , is one of the most iconic circuits in the MotoGP World Championship. Opened in 1991 , it hosted its first race the following year and has never left the calendar since. At 4.7 km long with 16 corners , it is distinguished by its long straights and tight bends that test the skills of the riders. This technical circuit is famous for offering great overtaking opportunities. Riders love it for its electric atmosphere, thanks to the grandstands packed with passionate Spanish fans.
Key facts
- Valentino Rossi 's first victory in 1999 , marking the beginning of his reign in MotoGP.
- Legendary duel between Rossi and Stoner in 2009 , providing one of the most memorable battles in MotoGP history.
- Marc Márquez 's victory in 2014 after starting from 10th place, once again demonstrating his ability to move up to the front.
2. Le Mans Circuit, France
The legendary Le Mans Bugatti Circuit , located in Sarthe , is well known for hosting both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and MotoGP races. This 4.2 km track, inaugurated in 1969 for motorcycles, is distinguished by its long straights and tight turns that put the braking of the riders to the test. In addition to its technical complexity, the capricious climate of the region is an additional challenge for the riders. The French public, always present in large numbers, contributes to making the atmosphere unique during the Grands Prix.
Key facts
- Giacomo Agostini 's victory in 1973 , his 68th Grand Prix success, consolidating his status as a living legend.
- Historic double for Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in 2009 , a time when Yamaha dominated the championship.
- Fabio Quartararo won in 2020 , becoming the first French rider to triumph at Le Mans in MotoGP since Régis Laconi in 1999 .
3. Assen Circuit, Netherlands
Nicknamed ' The Cathedral ', the Assen circuit is one of the oldest and most respected in the world championship. Opened in 1949 , it measures 4.5 km and is famous for its fast corners and numerous elevation changes. The Assen track is a real test for the drivers with fluid but demanding transitions. Dutch fans come in their thousands every year to watch legendary races in an electric atmosphere.
Key facts
- Giacomo Agostini 's victory in 1967 , marking the peak of his domination.
- Memorable duel between Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi in 2001 , where the two rivals faced each other for victory.
- Marc Marquez 's victory in 2014 after a crash on the last lap, showing his incredible determination.
4. Phillip Island Circuit, Australia
Located on an island in the south-east of Australia , the Phillip Island circuit is considered one of the most spectacular on the MotoGP calendar. Opened in 1956 and measuring 4.4 km , this circuit is very popular with riders for its flow, fast corners and magnificent views of the ocean. Phillip Island is also one of the circuits where weather conditions can change drastically, adding an extra challenge for the riders.
Key facts
- Victory for Valentino Rossi in 2003 after an epic duel with Sete Gibernau .
- Historic double for Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in 2013 , marking the height of Spanish domination.
- Marc Márquez won in 2019 , confirming his mastery of the circuit despite a fall.
5. Jerez Circuit, Spain
The Jerez circuit , located in Andalusia , is one of the most iconic and technical in the MotoGP championship. At 4.4 km long and with 13 corners , it has been a must-see event since 1987. Its technical layout with many tight corners and intense braking makes it a test for the riders, while the often hot and dry conditions make the races difficult. Spanish fans flock there every year to cheer on their idols like Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa .
Key facts
- Wayne Rainey 's victory in 1990 , marking his first Grand Prix success.
- Legendary duel between Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau in 2005 , where Rossi took a controversial victory on the last corner.
- Marc Marquez won in 2014 after a spectacular overtaking of Dani Pedrosa .
6. Mugello Circuit, Italy
Located in Tuscany , the Mugello circuit is considered one of the most demanding on the MotoGP calendar. Opened in 1974 and measuring 5.2 km , this circuit is famous for its fast curves, long straights and beautiful scenery. Mugello is also the home circuit of Valentino Rossi , where Italian fans gather in droves to fervently support their champion.
Key facts
- Giacomo Agostini 's victory in 1976 , marking his 122nd Grand Prix success.
- Legendary duel between Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner in 2008 , where Rossi won a close race.
- Marc Márquez 's victory in 2014 , confirming his status as a dominant rider.
7. Sepang Circuit, Malaysia
Located near Kuala Lumpur , the Sepang circuit is one of the most modern in the championship. 5.5 km long with 15 turns , it was inaugurated in 1999 and is appreciated for its difficult weather conditions, notably extreme heat and humidity. This circuit is renowned for testing the physical endurance of the riders as much as their technical skills, especially during the long straights which push the bikes to their limits.
Key facts
- Victory for Valentino Rossi in 2003 , after an epic duel with Sete Gibernau .
- Historic double for Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in 2013 , marking the rise of the Spaniards.
- Marc Márquez won in 2019 , despite a crash on the last lap.
8. Sachsenring Circuit, Germany
The 3.7km long Sachsenring circuit with 13 corners is one of the most technical in the championship. Its narrow and winding layout tests the precision of the riders, and the banked corners are a real challenge for the bikes. Despite being one of the shortest circuits on the calendar, Sachsenring is known for its intense racing and its dedicated fans, who come out every year to cheer on their heroes.
Key facts
- Valentino Rossi won in 2005 , after an epic duel with Nicky Hayden .
- Marc Márquez 's winning streak between 2010 and 2019 , demonstrating his dominance on this circuit.
- Fabio Quartararo 's surprise victory in 2021 , his first success in Germany.
9. Brno Circuit, Czech Republic
The Brno circuit , located in the Moravia region, is one of the fastest in the championship. Opened in 1987 and measuring 5.4 km , it is popular for its fast, flowing corners and long straights that push the bikes to their limits. Czech spectators come in droves to watch thrilling races in a spectacular setting.
Key facts
- Victory for Valentino Rossi in 2003 , after an epic duel with Sete Gibernau .
- Historic double for Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa in 2013 .
- Marc Márquez won in 2019 , despite a crash on the last lap.
10. Austin Circuit, United States
Located in Texas , the Circuit of the Americas is one of the newest circuits in the MotoGP championship. Opened in 2013 and measuring 5.5 km , it is appreciated for its varied layout, which combines fast straights and technical corners. The spectacular elevation and changeable weather conditions of Texas make this circuit unique in the championship. Marc Márquez is often unbeaten on this circuit, having dominated most editions since its opening.
Key facts
- Marc Márquez 's victory in 2013 in the first edition, proving that he is comfortable on this demanding circuit.
- Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo doubled in 2015 , providing a superb race for American fans.
- Fabio Quartararo 's victory in 2021 , marking his first success in the United States.
There you have it, now you know the 10 most legendary MotoGP circuits in the world ! From Catalonia to Austin , via Le Mans and Assen , these legendary tracks have seen the greatest champions of speed on two wheels pass through. Don't hesitate to discover them if you have the opportunity, you won't be disappointed!