Circuit Ricardo Tormo — Valencian motorsport circuit in Cheste, Spain
Circuit Ricardo Tormo is a road racing circuit near Valencia, Spain, opened in 1999. It hosts the MotoGP Valencian Community GP, testing sessions and national motorsport events and offers visitor facilities.
Overview
Circuit Ricardo Tormo, officially the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, is a permanent motorsport race track located in Cheste on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain. Opened in 1999, the venue was created to host international motorcycle and car racing while also serving as a year-round testing facility. The complex holds a large spectator capacity with substantial covered grandstands and a developed paddock area for teams and media.
Image gallery
1 ImageLayout and facilities
The circuit features a compact road-course layout of roughly 4.0 km that is well suited to close racing for both motorcycles and cars. Its facilities include a modern pit complex, multiple grandstands, hospitality suites and paddock garages. Safety infrastructure—such as run-off areas and protective barriers—meets the requirements for top-level motorcycle events. Because of its moderate winter climate and professional workshops on site, teams frequently use the venue for testing and fine-tuning setups.
- Paddock and pits: full-service garages and team spaces.
- Spectator facilities: large capacity with seated and standing areas.
- Support amenities: media center, timing systems and medical services.
Events and uses
The circuit is best known as the host of the MotoGP Valencian Community Grand Prix, a season-closing round that often decides championship outcomes. Beyond MotoGP, it supports national and regional motorcycle and car championships, driver training, corporate track days and vehicle testing. Historically, several Formula One teams have chosen this circuit for winter or pre-season testing because of the reliable mild weather and high-quality facilities.
History and naming
The track is named in honor of Ricardo Tormo (1952–1998), a celebrated Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racer from the Valencia region. The name commemorates his contribution to Spanish motorcycling and his popularity in the local community. Since opening in 1999 the circuit has become an established centre for both professional racing and grassroots motorsport activity in eastern Spain.
Notable records and cultural presence
Because testing lap times are often recorded outside official competition, some of the fastest laps at the venue remain unofficial. One well-known testing time was set in 2006 by a visiting driver in a Formula car while running with manufacturer support; such runs demonstrate how teams use the circuit for development. The track has also appeared in a variety of commercial racing video games and simulators, introducing it to a global audience that follows virtual as well as real-world motorsport.
Visiting and further information
Cheste lies within easy driving distance of Valencia city, making the circuit accessible to fans and participants. Visitors can find event schedules, ticketing and practical information via the circuit's official pages and local tourist resources. For official details, local municipality information and event guides see the circuit and regional links below.
Useful links: Official circuit site, Cheste municipal information, Valencia tourism, Spanish motorsport resources, manufacturer/test reports and archives.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Circuit Ricardo Tormo — Valencian motorsport circuit in Cheste, Spain Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/20455
Sources
- autosport.com : "The Autosport.Com F1 Testing Centre"