Cartagena

The Circuito de Cartagena, located in southeastern Spain near the Mediterranean coast, is a technical, compact, and confidence-inspiring track, especially popular among European motorcycle trackday riders during the winter and early spring months. While it’s not a MotoGP-level facility like Jerez or Aragon, it offers a unique, challenging layout that’s ideal for skill development, especially for intermediate and advanced riders.

🏁 Track Overview

• Length: 3.506 km (2.18 mi)

• Turns: 18 (10 right, 8 left)

• Direction: Clockwise

• Main straight: ~600 meters

• Elevation change: Light/moderate

• Surface: Grippy but abrasive (expect tire wear in warm conditions)

🏍️ Motorcycle Trackday Rider Perspective

✅ What Makes Cartagena Special

1. Tight & Technical
   Cartagena is very twisty and compact, with little time to rest. It’s the kind of track that rewards smoothness, throttle control, and line accuracy—more so than brute horsepower.

2. Perfect for Smaller Bikes or Race Training
   It suits 600cc bikes, twins, or supermotos especially well. Liter bikes can enjoy it, but they won’t stretch their legs—this is more about rhythm and flow.

3. Winter Sunshine
   Thanks to its coastal location near Murcia, Cartagena is a go-to winter track. Dry, mild, and sunny weather from October to March makes it a favorite for off-season testing.

4. Training Environment
   Many rider schools and race teams use Cartagena to teach body position, braking, and cornering drills. You’ll often see young riders and pros testing side by side.

⚠️ Challenges

• Physically Intense
  With constant corners and no long straights to relax on, you’ll be on the bars almost constantly. Good fitness helps, especially on multi-day events.

• Not Very Fast
  If you love big speed and horsepower thrills, Cartagena can feel a little tight and slow—especially on 1000cc bikes.

• Abrasive Surface
  The track surface is quite grippy, but also tough on tires, especially in warmer months. Watch tire pressures and bring spares if riding multiple days.

• Limited Facilities
  It’s functional but not luxurious—don’t expect MotoGP-grade garages. Fuel and basic food services are available, but not extensive.

🔑 Key Sections for Riders

1. Turn 1–2 Complex
   Tricky right-left opening combo. Easy to brake too late—line setup here is everything.

2. Turn 5 (Hairpin)
   One of the tightest on the track. Great for trail braking practice.

3. Chicanes & Essess
   Several quick direction changes challenge core stability and throttle timing. These sections really help develop precision.

4. Final Sector
   Fast right-hand sweeper leading into a tight final turn—great spot to practice drive and exit control.

🔧 Setup & Riding Tips

• Tires:
  Tire warmers are a must in cooler months. Expect tire wear, especially on the right-hand side. Choose a compound that handles abrasion well.

• Brakes:
  Not overly taxing on the brakes, but good feel is important due to multiple tight entries.

• Suspension:
  Setup for quick direction changes and support on corner entry. Stiffness can hurt agility here—look for balance.

• Gearing:
  Short gearing works best. Top speed isn’t critical here—it’s all about acceleration out of corners.

🧭 Logistics

• Nearest Airports:

  • Murcia (RMU) – ~30 minutes

  • Alicante (ALC) – ~1 hour

  • Almeria (LEI) – ~2 hours

• Accommodation:
  Most riders stay in Cartagena city or coastal areas like La Manga or Los Alcázares. Plenty of hotel and apartment options nearby.

• Trackday Providers:

  • No Limits Trackdays

  • Art Motor

  • Focus Events

  • Tracksense

  • Various UK/DE/NL winter tour providers

• Garage Facilities:

  • Covered pit boxes (basic but functional)

  • Tire support often on-site

  • On-site fuel and paddock space

  • Cafe with basic food

✅ Ideal For:

• Riders looking to hone technical skills

• 600cc and middleweight riders

• Trackday riders wanting a winter getaway

• Race schools or riders prepping for competition

📌 Pro Tips

• Walk the track if you can—there are a lot of subtle camber and line nuances.

• Great for body position drills—especially in the chicanes and transitions.

• Combine it with other southern Spanish circuits like Almería, Andalucia, or Guadix for a winter training tour.