Circuito de Jerez - Official Web

HISTORY

Circuito de Jerez rises from a challenge and passion, passion that the people of Jerez had always felt for motorsport and wich its mayor, Pedro Pacheco -the real driving force of the project- wisely took in and made into a brilliant reality. Before the construction of the circuit, Jerez had already organized speed races to a national level from 1956 and internationally from 1963.

First national races in Circuito de Jerez

Resistance Race of prototypes celebrated in 1986.

On the 8th December 1985 the dream came true: a track of 4,218 m with 16 curves and a starting straight of 600 m. The opening took place with the celebration of an event of the Turing Car Spanish Championship. On the 29th March 1986 came the first international motorcycle event, inaugurating the the facilities of the circuit (pits, working, tower, hospital ...).And finally, the 13th of April, starting flag to the Gran Premio Tío Pepe de España, counting for the 1986 Formula One World Championship, event that Spain had lost back in 1981 and which Jerez regained with all honors.

Senna, Mansell, Prost, Piquet, Rosberg, Berger, Fabi, Alboreto, Patresse, Nannini... 26 single-seaters formed the grill of a race that would happen to the history of the record through the minimum difference between first and classified second: 14 thousandth of advantage removed the mythical Ayrton Senna to Nigel Mansell already, in one of the most exciting arrivals ever seen in Formula One. Alain Prost completed that podium of the 86.
The spoiled Ayrton Senna in a photo taken during The F-1 Grand Prix of Spain in Circuito de Jerez.

The Grand Prix of 1997 will always remember Alex Criville. In fact, he conquered the victory to Doohan and Okada. The winner's Cup was given by D. Juan Carlos, H.M. the King of Spain

At the same time, in 1987 the First Grand Prix of Motorbikes took place at the Circuito being the first one of the fifteen following ones that would take place at the Circuito year after year until 2001. This race has turned due to its own merits, into one of the most important event in the International Calendar of the Worldchampionship. Thus, there are more and more spectators coming every year to see, support and cheer up the most famous riders of the Grand Prix.

Supporters from the remotest towns in Spain as well as from all European countries, especially from Portugal, France, England and Germany create the miscellaneous public that comes massively to the circuito. "Coming down" to Jerez in may, when the Grand Prix takes place, means a pilgrimage to the Meca of sport of the Two Wheels in Spain for all those who love the World of Motorbikes and competition. This Circuito has seen how great riders as Alex Crivillé, the latest winner of the Spanish Grand Prix in the category of 500cc, Carlos Checa, Juan Bautista Borja, Emilio Alzamora, José Luis Cardoso, etc.. have grown up in this sport world. We cannot forget names like Sito Pons, Joan Garriga, Carlos Cardús, Alberto Puig, etc.. who have become leyends of the motorbikes world in Spain.

Alex Criville had in Circuito de Jerez to its talisman track. Finally he won four grand prix, one in 125cc and three in 500cc

The track of motocross of Circuito de Jerez lodged important competitions like world-wide of 125cc and 250cc in addition to the Nations Motocross

In 1992 the Jerez circuit undertakes its first big change, which consisted in the construction of new curve followed by a 600 m straight, suppressing the existing chicane. The track was now even more spectacular and its length came to 4,423 m. The whole track was re-asphalted, as well as the service ways and paddocks. The pit-lane wall was provided with electricity, and the Press Room was enlarged to a capacity of 200 journalists.

At the track, 700 m of the new and revolutionary safety system called "air-fence" were placed. This system consists of compressed air modules designed to absorb the hit of a fallen rider, replacing straw bales in motorcycle races. Jerez was the first circuit to offer this safety device. The first motocross track in the world within a permanent speed circuit was also constructed in 1992. It was said to be one of the more spectacular courses in the world. 125 c.c. and 250 c.c. World Motocross Championships have already been chosen as the secenery for the most prestigious race of this modality: the Motocross of the Nations 1996.

Start of Europe Grand Prix of 1997

Rossi already comprises of the recent history of Circuito de Jerez to obtained until the moment five victories in this track.

In the summer of 1994, having to organize the European Formula One Grand Prix in October, the Jerez Circuit undertakes once more a major transformation: a new chicane just before the Ferrari bend is constructed for the exclusive use of Formula One cars. When this variation is used, the track measures 4,428 m. Beside this, new escape areas (gravel beds) were created and the existing ones were enlarged to the maximum.

Since it is creation, Circuito de Jerez has been developing an intense activity. Its climatology allow it to be used throughout the year, being the favourite of many Teams. It is also requested for a great number of companies which rent its facilities for presentations, incentives, etc...

Through year Circuito de Jerez is used by Car Companies like Porsche to show new developments.