In MotoGP one of the factors that determine the performance of a rider is the track. Although riders can change, the MotoGP machines can change, however, normally the tracks don’t. It’s a known fact, riders who work hand-in-hand with the machine and asphalt excel. Since MotoGP is currently on hold due to COVID-19 outbreak and most of us are on MotoGP fever, we are bringing you a weekly MotoGP facts series. On this week’s issue, we are ranking the top 10 fastest tracks in MotoGP calendar.
As the tracks are just as important on race day as the riders and the machines they ride on. The ranking of tracks from MotoGP calendar is done based on the average speed of the lap that bagged the best pole position. The purpose of taking the best pole’s average speed is to make the ranking fair. Let’s get right to it!
Average Speed: 169.7 km/h
Automotodrom Brno Czech Republic
Record Details
Average Speed: 170.5 km/h
Losail International Circuit Qatar
Record Details
The record set by 2019 Maverick VIÑALES from Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP with best pole time of 1’53.546 where, the average lap speed for that lap is 170.5 km/h, placing Losail on the 9th position. However, Marc MARQUEZ from Honda holds the all-time circuit record set in 2019; Time: 1’53.380, Average speed: 170.8 km/h. On top of this, Marc also holds the top speed record for this track, which is 352.0 km/h! Also set in 2019.
Track Details
Losail International Circuit is located on the outskirts of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. The circuit built within little over a year cost a whopping $58 million USD! The first Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar took place on the 2nd October 2004. Did you know? The 5.4km track surrounded by artificial grass was designed to prevent sand from neighbouring desert getting blown onto the circuit.
The main straight is over a kilometre in length and there is a good mix of medium and high-speed corners. Including a couple of quick left-handers which has proved particularly popular with the riders.
Average Speed: 171.4 km/h
MotorLand Aragón Spain
Record Details
Best pole time of 1’46.635 with an average lap speed of 171.4km/h was set by Marc MARQUEZ from Repsol Honda Team in 2015. The average speed places this track in 8th place. It is also the all-time lap record until today! As for the top speed, Andrea DOVIZIOSO from Ducati Team set a record in 2019 with a top speed of 346.1 km/h.
Track Details
MotorLand Aragón had its roots firmly established thanks to a solid history of street racing in Alcañiz, which hosted events between 1963 and 2003. Safety advice warning against the continuation of this even led to the proposal and construction of a sporting complex dedicated to motorsport.
Renowned German architect Hermann Tilke was in charge in designing the facility with support from local institutions. The modern circuit is 5.077km long and has 17 turns! Was roundly praised by riders after its first Grand Prix in 2010. Also rewarded with the IRTA Best Grand Prix of the Year award! The first time a circuit received the prize in its debut year.
Average Speed:177.1 km/h
Termas de Río Hondo Argentina
Record Details
Marc puts this circuit on the 7th place, with an average lap speed of 177.1 km/h for the best pole lap time of 1’37.683. This record is also the all-time lap record for this track. In the case of the top speed, Hector BARBERA from Reale Avintia Racing topped at 334.4 km/h in 2017.
Track Details
Located in the province of Santiago del Estero, the circuit is located 6km away from the city that gave the venue its name. The circuit covering a 150-hectare area of land officially inaugurated on May 11th 2018. In 2012 the circuit was reconditioned, enlarged and modernized. The purpose was to turn the track into Latin America’s safest, most modern and vibrant circuit.
The track with fast 180 degrees first turn that slows the eventual entry onto the long straight and the final corner after multiple twisty turns test vehicle dynamics and the rider’s skills.
Average Speed: 177.6 km/h
TT Circuit Assen Netherlands
Record Details
Fabio QUARTARARO places TT circuit Assen on 6th place with an average pole record lap speed of 177.6 km/h and 1’32.017 lap time. It is also the all-time record. The top speed on this track, 319.8 km/h was set by Andrea IANNONE from Ducati Team in 2015.
Track Details
Since the creation of the Motorcycle World Championship in 1949, Assen is the only venue to have held every round. Did you know, before the track came along in 1955, the venue for Dutch TT was on public roads? In 1999 the circuit was modified with a control tower, new grandstand and renovated boxes. After modification of the circuit over the winter 2005-2006, the track length was cut from over 6km to 4.555km. The circuit is narrow and has rapid changes in direction, testing the machine’s and rider’s ability.
Average Speed: 178.9 km/h
Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello Italy
Record Details
From Honda, Marc MARQUEZ places Mugello in 5th. With the average speed of 178.9 km/h and time of 1’45.519 for the best pole lap. This is also the all-time record for Mugello. Top speed is 356.7 km/h, set by Andrea DOVIZIOSO from Ducati Team in 2019.
Track Details
Located 30km north-east of Florence in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, Mugello is a modern circuit with excellent facilities. Bought by Ferrari back in 1988, the 5.245km track renovated to a high standard has a growing reputation as one of the world’s most up-to-date, scenic and safest race circuits.
A blend of slow and fast turns with sweeping curves, long straights and off-camber corners make Mugello one of the most challenging circuits for the riders and engineers. Having hosted its first MotoGP event back in 1976 the venue became a permanent fixture in 1991 after extensive refurbishment.
Average Speed: 179.7 km/h
Silverstone Circuit Great Britain
Record Details
In 2019 Marc MARQUEZ set the best pole lap record of 1’58.168 with an average speed of 179.7 km/h, placing Silverstone in 4th. This best pole lap is also the all-time record. MotoGP Top speed of 333.3 km/h was achieved by Cal CRUTCHLOW from LCR Honda in 2019.
Track Details
With more than 60 years of history, Silverstone has become one of the most prestigious venues dedicated to motorsport. Completely revamped in recent years, a multimillion-pound investment saw the completion in 2010 of the first phase of works to greatly improve the venue, making it one of the fastest tracks on the MotoGP calendar and earning high praise from the World Championship riders who enjoyed the new layout.
Average Speed: 181.9 km/h
Chang International Circuit Thailand
Record Details
Coming in third, Chang International Circuit’s best pole lap time is 1’30.088 and the average speed for this lap was 181.9 km/h. The record was set by Marc MARQUEZ in 2018. This is also the all-time record! The record-breaking top speed on this track is 330.4 km/h, set by Andrea DOVIZIOSO from Mission Winnow Ducati in 2018.
Track Details
Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the Buriram International Circuit opened in 2014. Located around 410km northeast from the country’s capital of Bangkok, the town of Buriram in the Buriram province literally translates into “city of happiness”, and its typically hot and humid weather is a key feature of its Southeast Asian location. The 4.554km layout incorporates 12 turns and has seen the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship racing at the venue since 2015.
Average Speed: 182.1 km/h
Phillip Island Australia
Record Details
Jorge LORENZO places this track in 2nd place by attaining a best pole lap time of 1’27.899 and achieving an average speed of 182.1 km/h for this lap. It is also the all-time record. Top speed at this track is 348.0 km/h, set by Andrea DOVIZIOSO from Ducati team in 2015.
Track Details
Phillip Island, the home of Australian motorsport, is full of motor racing tradition, with the first car race held there on public roads in the 1920s. The first motorcycle races took place in 1931 and a permanent track came to life in 1956. The circuit fell into disrepair during the late 70s and early 80s until it was bought in 1985 and given Australian $5 million facelift. MotoGP returned in 1989 and 1990 before becoming a regular fixture once more from 1997 onwards.
The Phillip Island circuit has a breathtaking scenery and beautiful ocean views and, as one of the fastest, most fluid, tracks on the calendar, it continues to provide some of the most spectacular racing in the MotoGP season!
Average Speed: 187.2 km/h
Red Bull Ring – Spielberg Austria
Record Details
Marc MARQUEZ places the Red Bull Ring as the fastest MotoGP track by topping the pole lap time of 1’23.027 and an average speed of 187.2 km/h for that lap in 2019. This record is also Marc’s all-time lap record for this track. Top speed on this track is 316.7 km/h, topped by Andrea DOVIZIOSO from Ducati team in 2019.
Track Details
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg is located beautifully in the Murtal-region of Styria, Austria. Originally built in 1969, then known as the Österreichring. In 1996, it was rebuilt with the track-layout it still has today. The track reopened in 2010 as the Red Bull Ring. Again became the centre of Austrian motorsports. The sloping terrain and the natural arena are trademark features of the Red Bull Ring with the 18-metre-high landmark “Bull of Spielberg” in the centre and the voestalpine wing offering a spectacular architectural highlight. With a length of 4.318 km, it features 10 turns and an altitude difference of 65 metres. The 2016 season saw the Red Bull Ring host its first MotoGP™ race as the World Championship returned to Austria for the first time since 1997.
Source: MotoGP