Aragon wins Best Grand Prix award
Added on Friday, December 17th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Aragon wins Best Grand Prix award
The MotorLand Aragon circuit has made history by being named as the IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix’ award – despite not being listed on the original MotoGP calendar.
The Aragon Grand Prix, ran for the first time in 2010, was considered to be the best Grand Prix of the year by judges, with a thrilling inaugural race being won by Casey Stoner
It is the first time that a circuit has been awarded the award in its debut season and the award is even more of a coup for Aragon, which was not originally scheduled to host a Grand Prix.
The circuit was named as a “reserve” circuit on the original calendar and was only used due to delays in construction at a new facility in Hungary, which was originally scheduled to host a MotoGP round for the first time. It was only in March that Aragon was eventually confirmed as a MotoGP venue, giving organisers just six months to prepare the venue.
Located near the small town of Alcaniz, roughly half-way between Barcelona and Zaragoza, the track was built with local government backing and was designed by famed architect Hermann Tilke.
Spread across the track’s 5.077 km layout is a combination 17 corners of varying speeds, mixed in with elevation changes. Because of the MotoGP testing ban, none of the premier class riders were allowed to test their prototypes prior to the race. But they were allowed to ride other equipment.
IRTA President Herve Poncharal noted the circuit’s quick work to prepare for the grand prix in announcing the award.
“This is a very special year for this award. We’ve had the pleasure of honouring many great tracks, but none in the first year of their existence – and none which had only six months to organise their first ever grand prix. That they were able to do it was impressive and historic; they are the first track ever to win the award on the first try.
“As we all know, Spanish motorcycle fans are second to none. There was some concern that having a fourth race in Spain would be a problem, but that wasn’t the case. The race drew a very strong crowd of over 70,000 who were treated to fantastic racing at a facility that is so much more than a race track. It’s also fitting that they join Jerez, Catalunya, and Valencia as a winner of the award.
“Having won in their ‘rookie’ year sets a standard that won’t be easy to match. How do you improve when you’re chosen as the best? However, I’m confident that won’t be a problem. Jose Angel Biel, President of MotorLand Aragon Circuit, and his staff worked tirelessly for six months to make the race the success it was, and the day after the race they began planning for 2011, when they take their proper place on the calendar.”
