Track
Moto GP Track Donington Park - GPS: N 52° 49' 35,48" - E 1° 22' 56,17"
Useful links: images (photo & video) - map (with zoom possibility) - overview lodging possibilities
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Opened in 1931, Donington Park grew out to become one of Great-Britain's most popular tracks. Since 1987, every year the British Moto GP is held as well as races from the Superbike World Championship, Supersport and Superstock 600 and 1000. There's also the BSB (British Superbike), the Renault World Series, classic F1 cars, etc. Other important championships that are held there are the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship), the British Formula 3 Championship, the British GT Championship and the Le Mans Series. |
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Originally, there were only motorcycle races. In 1933, the track was lengthened and got a new asphalt layer, so from that moment on, the carraces could also take place. Two years later, the first Donington Grand Prix was organized. |
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Initially, the top drivers were not present, until finally in 1937 and 1938 the factory cars of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union participated. The races lured large numbers of spectators. During World War II, the track was closed and became a military vehicle depot. |
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| After the war, the track finally re-opened and was subject to several changes. The most important one was the opening in 1977 of a completely revised Donington Park, with an almost 2 miles long "National Circuit". |
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On the other hand, there was the addition of the "Melbourne loop" in 1985 that left/leaves the choice between 2 tracks, the "National" and the "Grand Prix" track, that has a length of 2,5 miles.
After getting the British Moto GP to Donington in 1987, the Formula 1 also came to this track in 1993.
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With its fast straights and its long curves and breathtaking height differences, this track is a revelation to every motorcyclist that goes there for the first time. And for those who know the track of Mas du Clos in France: Donington Park looks like a big Mas du Clos!
Cu on Track! ;-))) |
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