Jerez Moto GP
The city of Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain has become synonymous with
motor cycle racing since it held the first Jerez Moto GP in 1987. Every year
thousands of motor cyclists from all over Europe swarm to Jerez to attend this
annual event which can accommodate upto 250,000 fans within the impressive
Circuito de Jerez. The provisional date for 2010's race is 2nd May.
Getting There & Accommodation
The track itself is located just 10km east of the city of Jerez on the road
towards Arcos de la Frontera. Traffic congestion has long been a major problem
as spectators get near the circuit but a dual carriageway now connects the
Seville-Cadiz motorway exit with the track so the approach road to the circuit
is much improved. Accommodation in Jerez itself is nowhere near enough for the
huge numbers arriving for this event so unless you book well in advance you
should look further afield.
Many fans choose to stay in Seville, some 95 km to the north, and drive down for
the day but do allow for severe congestion en route. On this route follow signs
for the A4 toll road to Cadiz and take the exit for Arcos de la
Frontera/Circuito de Velocidad at KM 78.5. Others head for Puerto de Santa Maria
and drive north on race day to this same motorway exit.
Train services to Jerez operate from all over Spain whilst
Jerez airport
receives incoming domestic flights from all over Spain as well as a few
international arrivals. Seville, Gibraltar and Malaga airports are other
alternatives for international arrivals. Special bus services also run from
Jerez and taxis will take you close to the circuit but usually ask you to get
out about 1km away to avoid getting stuck in the traffic.
Last year an estimated 100,000 people had arrived at the circuit before 8am so
do bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Circuito de Jerez
The Circuito de Jerez was built in 1986, originally to host the Spanish Formula 1
Grand Prix which has since moved to the Circuit de Catalunya just outside
Barcelona. It remains a popular year round venue for both Formula 1 and MotoGP
testing.
The circuit is 4,423 metres in length consisting of five left hand corners,
eight right hand corners and short straights, a combination which has led to
some very close finishes in recent years. Its range of grandstands provide
excellent views of the race whilst the rest of the track's facilities are of the
highest standard making Jerez one of the best circuits of the championship.
Tickets for the Jerez Moto GP
You can
buy Jerez MotoGP tickets online from numerous websites. If you prefer
to wait until you get there you might find some general admission tickets on
sale at the circuit though all grandstand seats will be sold out and queues to
get these few remaining tickets are horrendous. There are usually plenty touts
around offering tickets outside the circuit.
Recent Winners
2009 Valentino Rossi - Yamaha
2008 Dani Pedrosa - Honda
2007 Valentino Rossi - Yamaha
2006 Loris Capirossi - Ducati
2005 Valentino Rossi - Yamaha
2004 Sete Gibernau - Honda
2003 Valentino Rossi - Honda
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