Track Focus: Brno
Added on Friday, August 14th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Track Focus: Brno
The city of Brno, nestled deep within the South Western countryside of the Czech Republic, is a part of the world that has long been associated with motorcycle racing.
The annual trip to Eastern Europe is always one that is anticipated by riders and supporters, based in the picturesque surroundings of the Masaryk Circuit.
Brno has hosted Grand Prix motorcycle racing since the 1950′s although up until the construction of the Masaryk Circuit that hosts the event today, races took place on what was effectively a street circuit measuring as long as 17.8km. Circuit modifications took place throughout the years but it wasn’t until Czechoslovakia lost the right to host championship events in 1983 that plans were put in place for a purpose built circuit.
Championship grand prix racing returned to Brno in 1987, with Australian Wayne Gardner taking victory en-route to his one and only world championship.
The circuit itself can draw plenty of comparisons with the likes of Brands Hatch in Britain, with riders leaving the built-up home straight section before winding their way from the twists, turns and dips in the forest sections. There are 14 turns in total, 8 of them right handers and a steep ascent from the bottom section of the track back to the home straight – more than 7.5% in just over 900m.
Top speed of the circuit is claimed to be 290kph (180.2mph) and with 13 straights, it would have suited a fit Casey Stoner on the powerful Ducati and it is the Aussie who holds the circuit record, a time of 1:57.199 set last year. Stoner won here in 2007 and qualified on pole in 2008 before an accident ended his race hopes on lap six.
Other riders with fond memories of Brno include Valentino Rossi, a four times winner including a victory last year, and his teammate Jorge Lorenzo, who won in the 250cc championship 2006 and 2007 as well as a 125cc win in 2004.
Track Focus: Masaryk Circuit, Brno
| Location | Brno, Czech Republic |
| Opened | 1987 |
| First MotoGP | 1987 |
| Length | 5.403km (3.357mi) |
| Turns | 14 (6 Left, 8 Right) |
| Lap Record | Casey Stoner (Ducati) 2008: 1:57.199 |
| 2008 Winner | Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) |
