The summer break for the Iberian Supercars and Supercars Jarama RACE series is coming to an end with a visit to Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. This track is a new addition to the series, so we've enlisted the help of several paddock members to uncover its unique features and characteristics.
The Spanish circuit is one of the most well-known in the world, having been used by GP2 (the predecessor of Formula 2), MotoGP – hosting the Grand Prix of the Valencian Community since 1999 – and even Formula 1, which used it as a testing hub for several years until private tests were heavily restricted at the end of 2009.
However, it is only in 2024 that Circuit Ricardo Tormo, named after a former motorcycle racer from Valencia, makes its debut on the Iberian Supercars and Supercars Jarama RACE calendar. It’s a new addition for the series.
Of course, many of the drivers and teams competing in the Iberian series have raced here in other categories, but it remains a step into the unknown, which could bring some surprises due to the circuit’s unique features. As highlighted by José de los Milagros, the BMW Motorsport España driver: “It’s a counter-clockwise track, and there aren’t many like that. This makes it challenging to adapt, find a good setup, and manage tyre wear. It’s also been resurfaced recently.”
Borja Hormigos, who drives a BMW M4 GT4 (F82) for Autoworks Motorsport, points to another unique feature that is a big hit with the fans: “It’s a very flat track where the audience can see the entire circuit from any point,” a sentiment echoed by José de los Milagros: “For spectators, you can see the whole circuit from any grandstand – it’s like a football stadium. Unlike other tracks where you only see the corner in front of you, here you can see everything. So, for fans, it’s the best circuit in the world, as I don’t know of another place where that’s possible.”
This is a feature that also appeals to Jordi Vila, team principal of Team VRT: “One of the things I like most about this circuit is that it’s like a football stadium – everyone can see all the corners.”
In fact, Circuit Ricardo Tormo was designed primarily for motorcycles, resulting in a layout with a long sequence of corners, as explained by José de los Milagros. “It’s a different circuit. It was designed more for motorbikes, with combinations of very fast and slower corners that require braking while turning – it’s very technical. In reality, it’s a very fun track because, with the fast corners, the average speed is very high,” noted the BMW Motorsport España driver that line ups with Nerea Martí, a native of Valencia, in the Promotion Motorsport-run M4 GT4 (G82).
Opening race of the season winner Borja Hormigos highlights some of the challenges of the Valencia circuit, emphasizing the key hot spots on the track: “It has a very short straight, possibly the shortest in the entire championship. The clearest overtaking opportunities are the braking zones for corners 2, 8, and 14. It alternates between very fast sections – corners 1, 3, 7, and 12 – and more technical ones – corners 8, 9, 10, and 11. Special mention must be given to the large final corner, which tightens into corner 14, leading onto the main straight,” commented Borja Hormigos, who line ups alongside Héctor Hernández in the GT4 Bronze division.
Jordi Vila, whose team runs a Mercedes AMG GT4 for Salvador Tineo and Luis González, adds that while the speeds may not be very high, the characteristics of Circuit Ricardo Tormo lead to drivers making a few mistakes. “It’s not a high-speed circuit, but there are sections with braking that generate a lot of lateral forces, so it’s important to be very skilled at the wheel to avoid mistakes,” noted the Team VRT boss.
Aside from the technical aspects of the track itself, José de los Milagros also points out some of the tourist attractions that add to the appeal for both fans and drivers: “It’s a beach area near Madrid and Valencia, so you can take advantage of it to visit the beach or enjoy a paella, one of Valencia’s most traditional dishes.”
Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia is the third round of the Iberian Supercars and Supercars Jarama RACE, taking place on the 28th and 29th of September, just over a week away. Entrance to the paddock is free throughout the weekend.
Comentários