[[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[Daylight saving time|DST]])"},"Coordinates":{"wt":"{{coord|50|59|20|N|5|15|20|E|region:BE_type:landmark|display=it}}"},"FIAGrade":{"wt":"2"},"Image":{"wt":"Zolder.svg"},"image_size2":{"wt":"250px"},"Opened":{"wt":"{{Start date and age|df=yes|1963|06|19}}"},"Events":{"wt":"'''Current:'''
'''[[FIA European Truck Racing Championship|ETRC]]''' ''Belgian Truck Grand Prix'' (1987,1989–1995,1997–present)
'''[[NASCAR Euro Series]]''' (2015–present)
'''[[24 Hours of Zolder]]''' (1983–2019,2021–present)
'''Former:'''
[[Formula One]]
''[[Belgian Grand Prix]]'' (1973,1975–1982,1984)
[[Grand Prix motorcycle racing]]
''[[Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix]]'' (1980)
[[FIA WTCR Race of Belgium]] (2010–2011,2020)
[[FIM Endurance World Championship|FIM EWC]] (1971–1972,2006)
[[Sidecar World Championship]] (1980)
[[FIA ETCR –eTouring Car World Cup|FIA ETCR]] (2022)
[[TCR Europe Touring Car Series|TCR Europe]] (2016,2020,2024)
[[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft|DTM]] (2002,2019–2021)
[[GT World Challenge Europe|Blancpain GT Series]] (2014–2015,2017–2018)
[[W Series (championship)|W Series]] (2019)
[[Superleague Formula]] (2008–2011)
[[Champ Car]] ''[[Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix]]'' (2007)
[[FIA GT Championship|FIA GT]] (1999–2001,2007–2009)
[[Masters of Formula 3]] (2007–2008)"},"Layout1":{"wt":"Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present)"},"Length_km":{"wt":"4.010"},"Length_mi":{"wt":"2.492"},"Turns":{"wt":"10"},"Record_time":{"wt":"1:14.089"},"Record_driver":{"wt":"{{flagicon|FRA}}[[Sébastien Bourdais]]"},"Record_car":{"wt":"[[Panoz DP01]]"},"Record_year":{"wt":"[[2007 Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix|2007]]"},"Record_class":{"wt":"[[Champ Car]]"},"Layout2":{"wt":"Grand Prix Circuit (1986–2001)"},"Length_km2":{"wt":"4.184"},"Length_mi2":{"wt":"2.600"},"Turns2":{"wt":"10"},"Record_time2":{"wt":"1:28.270"},"Record_driver2":{"wt":"{{flagicon|FRA}}[[Olivier Grouillard]]"},"Record_car2":{"wt":"[[Lola T88/50]]"},"Record_year2":{"wt":"[[1988 International Formula 3000 Championship|1988]]"},"Record_class2":{"wt":"[[Formula 3000|F3000]]"},"Layout3":{"wt":"Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1985)"},"Length_km3":{"wt":"4.262"},"Length_mi3":{"wt":"2.648"},"Turns3":{"wt":"15"},"Record_time3":{"wt":"1:19.294"},"Record_driver3":{"wt":"{{flagicon|FRA}}[[RenéArnoux]]"},"Record_car3":{"wt":"[[Ferrari 126C4]]"},"Record_year3":{"wt":"[[1984 Belgian Grand Prix|1984]]"},"Record_class3":{"wt":"[[Formula One|F1]]"},"Layout4":{"wt":"Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1974)"},"Length_km4":{"wt":"4.220"},"Length_mi4":{"wt":"2.622"},"Turns4":{"wt":"14"},"Record_time4":{"wt":"1:23.850"},"Record_driver4":{"wt":"{{flagicon|BEL}}[[Teddy Pilette]]"},"Record_car4":{"wt":"[[Chevron B28]]"},"Record_year4":{"wt":"[[1974 Rothmans 5000 European Championship|1974]]"},"Record_class4":{"wt":"[[Formula 5000|F5000]]"},"Layout5":{"wt":"Original Grand Prix Circuit (1963–1972)"},"Length_km5":{"wt":"4.186"},"Length_mi5":{"wt":"2.601"},"Turns5":{"wt":"12"},"Record_time5":{"wt":"1:26.400"},"Record_driver5":{"wt":"{{flagicon|AUT}}[[Jochen Rindt]]"},"Record_car5":{"wt":"[[Lotus 69]]"},"Record_year5":{"wt":"1970"},"Record_class5":{"wt":"[[Formula Two|F2]]"}},"i":0}}]}" id="mwCQ">.mw-parser-output .infobox-subbox{padding:0;border:none;margin:-3px;width:auto;min-width:100%;font-size:100%;clear:none;float:none;background-color:transparent}.mw-parser-output .infobox-3cols-child{margin:auto}.mw-parser-output .infobox .navbar{font-size:100%}@media screen{html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme)>div:not(.notheme)[style]{background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .infobox-full-data:not(.notheme) div:not(.notheme){background:#1f1f23!important;color:#f8f9fa}}@media(min-width:640px){body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table{display:table!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>caption{display:table-caption!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table>tbody{display:table-row-group}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table tr{display:table-row!important}body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table th,body.skin--responsive .mw-parser-output .infobox-table td{padding-left:inherit;padding-right:inherit}}
Location | Heusden-Zolder, Belgium |
---|---|
Time zone | CET (UTC+1) CEST (DST) |
Coordinates | 50°59′20″N5°15′20″E / 50.98889°N 5.25556°E |
FIA Grade | 2 |
Opened | 19 June 1963 |
Major events | Current: ETRC Belgian Truck Grand Prix (1987, 1989–1995, 1997–present) NASCAR Euro Series (2015–present) 24 Hours of Zolder (1983–2019, 2021–present) Former: Formula One Belgian Grand Prix (1973, 1975–1982, 1984) Grand Prix motorcycle racing Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix (1980) FIA WTCR Race of Belgium (2010–2011, 2020) FIM EWC (1971–1972, 2006) Sidecar World Championship (1980) FIA ETCR (2022) TCR Europe (2016, 2020, 2024) DTM (2002, 2019–2021) Blancpain GT Series (2014–2015, 2017–2018) W Series (2019) Superleague Formula (2008–2011) Champ Car Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix (2007) FIA GT (1999–2001, 2007–2009) Masters of Formula 3 (2007–2008) |
Website | http://www.circuit-zolder.be |
Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present) | |
Length | 4.010 km (2.492 miles) |
Turns | 10 |
Race lap record | 1:14.089 ( Sébastien Bourdais, Panoz DP01, 2007, Champ Car) |
Grand Prix Circuit (1986–2001) | |
Length | 4.184 km (2.600 miles) |
Turns | 10 |
Race lap record | 1:28.270 ( Olivier Grouillard, Lola T88/50, 1988, F3000) |
Grand Prix Circuit (1975–1985) | |
Length | 4.262 km (2.648 miles) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:19.294 ( René Arnoux, Ferrari 126C4, 1984, F1) |
Grand Prix Circuit (1973–1974) | |
Length | 4.220 km (2.622 miles) |
Turns | 14 |
Race lap record | 1:23.850 ( Teddy Pilette, Chevron B28, 1974, F5000) |
Original Grand Prix Circuit (1963–1972) | |
Length | 4.186 km (2.601 miles) |
Turns | 12 |
Race lap record | 1:26.400 ( Jochen Rindt, Lotus 69, 1970, F2) |
The Circuit Zolder, also known as Circuit Terlamen, [1] is an undulating 4.011 km (2.492 mi) motorsport race track in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.
Built in 1963, Zolder hosted the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix on 10 separate occasions in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1980 Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix. F1 moved to Zolder in 1973 and with the exception of a race at Nivelles-Baulers in 1974, Zolder was the location of the Belgian Grand Prix until 1982. That year, Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve was killed during qualifying at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Villeneuve's Ferrari 126C2 collided at speed with the March 821 of Jochen Mass. The Ferrari was torn up in the accident and when rolling, Villeneuve was thrown from the car.
After Villeneuve's death, the Belgian Grand Prix was held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1983, before returning to Zolder one final time in 1984. Fittingly, Ferrari driver Michele Alboreto won the race carrying Villeneuve's #27 on his car. Since 1985, the Belgian Grand Prix has permanently moved to Spa.
Zolder has also been used for cycling events including the UCI Road World Championships twice in 1969 and 2002 and the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in 1970, 2002 and 2016. The latter saw the first confirmed use of mechanical doping when Femke Van den Driessche was found to have a secret motor inside her bike. [2] Since 2009, Circuit Zolder has hosted a cyclo-cross race in December for the World Cup. The circuit hosted the UCI BMX World Championships in 2015. [3] In 2019 and for the first time ever the UCI BMX World Championships returned to Circuit Zolder.
In the beginning of 2006, the track underwent safety adaptations. In 2007, the track hosted a Champ Car World Series Grand Prix, and a round of the FIA GT Championship. The track was venue of a round of the World Series by Renault championship from 2003 to 2006, and replaced Zandvoort as site for the Masters of Formula 3 in 2007 and 2008. Zolder was featured on the car programme Top Gear in 2008. In the episode, the show's British hosts competed against their German counterparts from D MOTOR. Zolder hosted also the FIA WTCC Race of Belgium in 2010, 2011, and 2020. The last race they drove in 2011 was won by Rob Huff in a Chevrolet and Gabriele Tarquini in a SEAT. The WTCC then disappeared from the Belgian circuits until in 2014 the circus returned to Spa.
At this time, mainly the Blancpain Sprint Series and the BRCC national championship hosted a race in Zolder. The 24 Hours of Zolder endurance event is also held as a stand-alone event around the end of August or the beginning of September. NASCAR Whelen Euro Series have hosted their final race of the season in Zolder since 2015. [4]
In 2019, for the first time in 17 years, the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters returned to Circuit Zolder. [5] But the circuit lost its place in the DTM calendar to Spa-Francorchamps in 2022.
In general Circuit Zolder has a noise limit of 96 dbA, which is measured at 2 points along the track. One is just after turn 4 (Bianchi) and the second one is between turn 7 and 8. These can be recognised by blue poles. During international test days and most racing weekends, the noise limits are removed.
The unofficial all-time outright track record is 1:12.821, set by Sébastien Bourdais in a Panoz DP01, during 2nd qualifying for the 2007 Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix. As of September 2023, the fastest official race lap records at the Circuit Zolder are listed as:
Circuit Zandvoort, known for sponsorship reasons as CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, previously known as Circuit Park Zandvoort until 2017, is a 4.259 km (2.646 mi) motorsport race track located in the dunes north of Zandvoort, the Netherlands, near the North Sea coast line and 35 km (22 mi) west of Amsterdam. It returned to the Formula One calendar in 2021 as the location of the revived Dutch Grand Prix. This partnership with Formula One will end in 2026.
The Nürburgring is a 150,000-person capacity motorsports complex located in the town of Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It features a Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a long Nordschleife "North loop" track, built in the 1920s, around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. The north loop is 20.830 km (12.943 mi) long and contains more than 300 metres of elevation change from its lowest to highest points. Scottish racing driver Jackie Stewart nicknamed the track "The Green Hell".
The Hungaroring is a 4.381 km (2.722 mi) motorsport racetrack in Mogyoród, Pest County, Hungary where the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix is held. In 1986, it became the location of the first Formula One Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain. Bernie Ecclestone wanted a race in the USSR, but a Hungarian friend recommended Budapest. They wanted a street circuit similar to the Circuit de Monaco to be built in the Népliget – Budapest's largest park – but the government decided to build a new circuit just outside the city near a major highway. Construction works started on 1 October 1985. It was built in eight months, less time than any other Formula One circuit. The first race was held on 24 March 1986, in memory of János Drapál, the first Hungarian who won motorcycle Grand Prix races. According to a survey put together by the national tourism office of Hungary, Mogyoród ranks third among Hungarian destinations visited by tourists, behind the Danube Bend area and Lake Balaton, but ahead of Budapest. The circuit has FIA Grade 1 license.
The Imola Circuit, officially called the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is a 4.909 km (3.050 mi) motor racing circuit. It is located in the town of Imola, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, 40-kilometre (25 mi) east of Bologna. It is one of the few major international circuits to run in an anti-clockwise direction. Initially used for motorcycle racing, the first race at Imola was held in 1953. The circuit has an FIA Grade One licence. The circuit is named after the founder of the Ferrari car company, Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988), and his son Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari (1932–1956). It was called the Autodromo di Imola from 1953 to 1956 and the Autodromo Dino Ferrari from 1957 to 1988.
The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg is a motor racing circuit situated in the Rhine valley near the town of Hockenheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, located on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route. Amongst other motor racing events, it has hosted the German Grand Prix, most recently in 2019. The circuit has very little differences in elevation. The circuit has an FIA Grade 1 licence.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, informally referred to as Spa, is a 7.004 km (4.352 mi) motor-racing circuit located in Francorchamps, Stavelot, Wallonia, Belgium, about 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of Spa. It is the current venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, hosting its first Grand Prix in 1925, and has held a Grand Prix every year since 1985 except 2003 and 2006.
The Masaryk circuit or Masarykring, also referred to as the Brno Circuit, refers to two motorsport race tracks located in Brno, Czech Republic. The original street circuit was made up of public roads, and at its longest measured 29.194 km (18.140 mi). The track is named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. In 1949, events such as the Czechoslovakian Grand Prix attracted top teams and drivers. In 1987, the new (current) circuit was opened. The Brno Circuit is historically one of the oldest circuits, on the place were also held the most motorcycle championships in history after the TT Circuit Assen.
The Red Bull Ring is a motorsport race track in Spielberg, Styria, Austria. The race circuit was founded as Österreichring and hosted the Austrian Grand Prix for 18 consecutive years, from 1970 to 1987. It was later shortened, rebuilt and renamed the A1-Ring, and it hosted the Austrian Grand Prix again from 1997 to 2003.
The Circuito do Estoril or Autódromo do Estoril, officially known as Autódromo Fernanda Pires da Silva, is a motorsport race track on the Portuguese Riviera, outside of Lisbon, owned by state-run holding management company Parpública. Its length is 4.182 km (2.599 mi). It was the home of the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix from 1984 to 1996. The circuit has an FIA Grade 1 license.
Dijon-Prenois is a 3.801 km (2.362 mi) motor racing circuit located in Prenois, near Dijon, France. The undulating track is noted for its fast, sweeping bends.
The TT Circuit Assen is a motorsport race track built in 1955 and located in Assen, Netherlands. Host of the Dutch TT, it is popularly referred to as "The Cathedral of Speed" by motorcycle racing fans. The venue has the distinction of holding the most Grand Prix motorcycle races every year since the series was created in 1949. It has a capacity of 110,000 spectators, including 60,000 seats. Since 1992, the circuit has also been part of the World SBK calendar except for the 2020 season.
The Lausitzring is a race track located near Klettwitz in the state of Brandenburg in northeast Germany, near the borders of Poland and the Czech Republic. It was originally named Lausitzring as it is located in the region of Lusatia, known as Lausitz in German, but was renamed EuroSpeedway Lausitz for better international communication from 2000 to 2010. The EuroSpeedway has been in use for motor racing since 2000. Among other series, DTM takes place there annually. It also used to host the Superbike World Championship.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo, also known as Circuit de Valencia and officially named Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, is a 4.005 km (2.489 mi) motorsport race track located in Cheste and built in 1999. The track is named after Spanish, two-time world champion Grand Prix motorcycle racer Ricardo Tormo (1952–1998), who died in 1998 of leukemia. It has a capacity of 165,000 and a main straight of 0.876 km (0.544 mi).
The Sachsenring is a motorsport racing circuit located in Hohenstein-Ernstthal near Chemnitz in Saxony, Germany. Among other events, it features the annual German motorcycle Grand Prix of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship.
The Motorsport Arena Oschersleben is a 3.696 km (2.297 mi) long race track with a width of 11–13 m (12–14 yd) and elevation changes of 23 m (75 ft). The circuit is located in Oschersleben, Börde, approximately 30 km (19 mi) from Magdeburg, Germany. Its fairly flat contours create a smooth, fast circuit.
The Salzburgring is a 4.241 km (2.635 mi) motorsport race track located in Plainfeld, east of Salzburg.
Autodrom Most is a hard-surfaced 4.212 km (2.617 mi) long race track for motorsport outside of the city of Most in the northwest of the Czech Republic. The racing circuit was built between 1978 and 1983, but the Most district was known for organizing motorcycle and car races earlier. Autodrome is used for races of cars, trucks, motorcycles and free circuit rides, but also for test rides of developed cars, training of drivers of fire engines, ambulance and police cars, as well as training of drivers in crisis situations, etc.
The ADAC GT Masters is a grand tourer-based auto racing series founded by the international Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) and supported by the German ADAC automotive club. Similar to an earlier ADAC GT Cup series in the 1990s, the new GT Masters ran their first season in 2007. Although the series is based in Germany, select events are run elsewhere in Europe.
Roland Bruynseraede is a Belgian motorsport official. He has previously worked as race director for the DTM series, the FIA circuit inspector and Formula One safety delegate and, from 1988 to 1995, the Formula One race director.
Moscow Raceway is an FIA-approved motor racing venue in the Volokolamsky District, Moscow Oblast, Russia. It is located near the villages of Sheludkovo and Fedyukovo, about 97-kilometre (60 mi) west from Moscow.